Trump’s envoy arrives in Israel as Gaza starvation crisis draws global outrage
Envoy Steve Witkoff holds talks with Netanyahu amid calls for ceasefire and growing pressure for Palestinian statehood
TEL AVIV, Israel (MNTV) — U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, arrived in Israel for urgent discussions on the Gaza crisis, amid rising international condemnation of Israel’s nearly 22-month offensive and worsening humanitarian conditions in the besieged enclave.
Witkoff met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shortly after landing, the prime minister’s office confirmed.
Israeli media reports indicated that the envoy may also visit the infamous Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a U.S.-funded group distributing food in Gaza, where widespread hunger and malnutrition have fueled desperation.
The visit comes a day after at least 58 Palestinians were reportedly killed when Israeli forces opened fire on civilians trying to block an aid convoy in Gaza City.
The Gaza health ministry said those killed had rushed to retrieve food from trucks amid growing lawlessness.
Witkoff has been the primary American figure in the stalled ceasefire and hostage negotiations between Israel and Hamas, though talks collapsed last week after Israeli and U.S. delegations withdrew from Doha.
His renewed engagement follows mounting demands from global powers urging an immediate halt to hostilities and unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza.
Canada became the latest Western nation to declare plans to recognize a Palestinian state. Prime Minister Mark Carney said that the deteriorating humanitarian situation “leaves no room for delay in coordinated international action to support peace.”
President Trump, while reaffirming support for Israel, rejected Canada’s move and placed the blame squarely on Hamas.
Writing on Truth Social, Trump stated: “The fastest way to end the Humanitarian Crises in Gaza is for Hamas to SURRENDER AND RELEASE THE HOSTAGES!!!”
Still, in a rare divergence from Israeli leadership, Trump recently acknowledged the growing hunger in Gaza, stating the territory faces “real starvation.”
His remarks contradict Netanyahu’s repeated dismissals of famine reports.
The United Nations and partner agencies have confirmed that famine is unfolding in parts of Gaza.
Shocking images of severely malnourished children have drawn global outrage, prompting France, Britain, and Canada to express support for Palestinian statehood. On Thursday, Portugal also announced it is reviewing its position on recognition.
German lawmaker Johann Wadephul, who met Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar on Thursday, warned that “Israel is increasingly isolated” as more EU states consider recognizing Palestine. Israel denounced Canada’s stance as part of a “distorted campaign of international pressure.”
Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department announced visa restrictions on officials from the Palestinian Authority, which governs parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank and would be central to any future Palestinian state.
Israel’s genocide in Gaza has resulted in at least 60,249 Palestinian deaths, mostly children and women, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
UN agencies this week confirmed that children are now dying of hunger.
International media access in Gaza remains blocked by Israel, and independent verification of tolls remains difficult.
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