Reports: Trump envoy visits Gaza Strip as ceasefire holds
The US Special Envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, has visited the Gaza Strip, according to Israeli media reports on Wednesday.
US President Donald Trump's envoy visited the Netzarim Corridor, which was created by the Israeli military and divides the Gaza Strip into two parts, together with the Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, the reports said.
The site is also where employees of a US security company control vehicles travelling from the south of the Gaza Strip to the north. The aim is to prevent weapons smuggling and the return of Palestinian militants to the northern section of the destroyed coastal strip.
Witkoff is the highest-ranking US official to visit the Gaza Strip in years.
Reports said Witkoff also wanted to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of the Israeli premier travelling to the US on Sunday to meet Trump at the White House.
The Israeli newspaper Jediot Achronot reported that Witkoff had discussed a possible "comprehensive deal" in the Middle East while earlier visiting Saudi Arabia.
The agreement would pave the way for the next stage of a ceasefire between Israel and Islamist militants Hamas, who still control much of Gaza despite a 15-month bombardment.
The reconstruction of the destroyed Gaza Strip and a normalization of relations between all parties and Saudi Arabia would be part of the deal.
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