Witkoff arrives in Gaza to address humanitarian crisis

Canada News.Net

3 days ago

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip: U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, arrived in Israel this week to address the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza. His visit comes as the death toll among Palestinians seeking food and aid continues to increase.
The Gaza Health Ministry reported that at least 91 Palestinians were killed and more than 600 injured in the past 24 hours while attempting to obtain aid. Among them, 54 people died in northern Gaza near the Zikim crossing while waiting for food. Officials indicated that the numbers may rise, as many of the casualties were taken to hospitals that remain isolated and short of medical supplies.
According to the White House, Witkoff and U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee inspected food distribution efforts in Gaza.
Israel's military stated that Palestinians surrounded aid trucks and that its forces fired warning shots into the air, but denied causing injuries. An Israeli security official, speaking anonymously, said the gunfire that led to deaths came from within the crowd as people struggled over supplies.
Incidents linked to food distribution continue to occur across the territory. In Zawaida, a city in central Gaza, aid was delivered by airdrop because border crossings remain closed. Crowds rushed to collect the packages, leading to clashes and injuries.
Residents described their difficulties in accessing the limited aid. Eslam al-Telbany, displaced from Jabaliya, said she lost the food she had collected after being attacked in the crowd. Ahmed al-Khatib said his flour was stolen and that he broke a tooth during the incident. Another displaced woman, Rana Attia, said people preferred being notified by text message about collection points rather than chasing parcels dropped from aircraft.
Humanitarian organizations continue to state that current aid levels are far below requirements. They estimate that 500 to 600 trucks per day are needed to cover basic needs. Israeli authorities reported that 270 trucks of aid entered Gaza, while airdrops delivered 32 pallets.
Israel has recently announced measures intended to facilitate more international aid deliveries, under pressure from the global community. International agencies have warned that Gaza has been at risk of famine for years, and that the recent blockade has created conditions where famine is now taking place.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul also arrived in Israel for a two-day visit that includes meetings in the West Bank. Germany has traditionally been a close ally of Israel, but has recently pressed Israel to expand aid access and support a ceasefire. In a statement before his trip, Wadephul reiterated Germany's support for a two-state solution, saying that recognition of a Palestinian state should follow a process that "must begin now."
Witkoff also met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss humanitarian issues and the possibility of a truce. It was their first meeting since Israel and the U.S. withdrew their teams from negotiations in Qatar last week. Witkoff previously said that Hamas had shown little interest in reaching an agreement.
President Trump commented on the situation through his Truth Social platform, writing that "the fastest way to end the Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza is for Hamas to SURRENDER AND RELEASE THE HOSTAGES!!!"
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Witkoff was sent to the region "to save lives and end this crisis," and described Trump as motivated by humanitarian concerns.
The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas carried out an attack in southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people and abducting 251 others. Approximately 50 hostages remain in captivity, with around 20 believed to be alive.
Israel's military response has resulted in more than 60,000 deaths in Gaza, according to the territory's Health Ministry. The ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants, but the United Nations and international aid groups treat its casualty figures as the most consistent available source.
The humanitarian situation remains critical, with food shortages, difficulties in aid distribution, and ongoing political disagreements complicating efforts to ease conditions in Gaza.