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2mo ago

Trump Envoy Steve Witkoff Takes Lead in Gaza and Ukraine Negotiations

Real estate mogul and longtime Trump ally Steve Witkoff has emerged as a central figure in high-stakes diplomatic efforts, leveraging his dealmaking skills to address global crises.

US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff attends interview after meeting with Russian officials at Diriyah Palace, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on February 18.
US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud, National Security Advisor Mosaad bin Mohammad al-Aiban, the Russian president's foreign policy advisor Yuri Ushakov, and Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov attend a meeting together at Riyadh's Diriyah Palace on February 18.
President Donald Trump shakes hands with Steve Witkoff as they as they welcome Marc Fogel back to the United States after being released from Russian custody at the White House on February 11 in Washington, DC.
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Overview

  • Steve Witkoff, a real estate investor with no prior diplomatic experience, has been tasked with leading negotiations on behalf of President Trump in Gaza and Ukraine.
  • Witkoff played a key role in finalizing a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, a deal initially proposed by the Biden administration, and has since expanded his portfolio to include U.S.-Russia relations.
  • Trump’s plan for Gaza, which includes relocating its Palestinian residents and redeveloping it, has drawn both support and criticism, with Witkoff defending the proposal publicly and in meetings with lawmakers.
  • Witkoff’s involvement in Ukraine negotiations has caused tension with allies, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders express concern over being sidelined in talks with Russia.
  • Critics question Witkoff’s qualifications and Trump’s unconventional approach to diplomacy, but supporters highlight his success in leveraging private-sector negotiation strategies to achieve results.