US Envoy Visits Gaza to Strengthen Ceasefire and Facilitate Hostage Release

Steven Witkoff's rare visit to Gaza highlights US efforts to stabilize the region and support a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

US envoy Steven Witkoff made a rare visit to Gaza, meeting Israeli and Palestinian officials to support the implementation of a six-week ceasefire agreement.
The ceasefire has enabled over 376,000 displaced Palestinians to return to northern Gaza, with American contractors managing security along key corridors.
A third round of hostage-prisoner exchanges is scheduled for Thursday, with Hamas set to release three Israeli hostages and five Thai citizens, while Israel will free 110 Palestinian prisoners, including minors and those serving life sentences.
The ceasefire deal, brokered with US, Qatari, and Egyptian involvement, includes plans for further negotiations to address Gaza's governance and ensure lasting peace.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu faces internal political pressure over the ceasefire, as critics question the government's ability to achieve its stated war goals of eradicating Hamas and freeing all hostages.