US President Donald Trump will chair a White House meeting on Wednesday (US local time) to present a “comprehensive plan” for Gaza’s post-war management, special envoy Steve Witkoff announced Tuesday (US local time) — the first public confirmation of such a US initiative amid stalled Hamas ceasefire talks .
“Many people are going to see how robust it is and how well meaning it is, and it reflects President Trump’s humanitarian motives,” Witkoff said in an interview with Fox News, as quoted by The Times of Israel. He did not provide further details.
According to the report, this is the first time Witkoff has disclosed the existence of a US plan for Gaza’s post-war management. His remarks marked a shift, as Washington had largely deferred on the issue to Arab allies since Trump’s February comments about taking over Gaza and permanently relocating its residents. Israel welcomed the idea, but regional partners rejected it.
Trump administration rejects partial hostage deals
Witkoff reiterated the administration’s stance on ceasefire negotiations, stressing opposition to additional partial Gaza hostage deals. “That’s the official position, and that’s President Trump’s official position. I think that he has said to himself, ‘You don’t need to keep those hostages,’” he said.
He added, “We’ll have a negotiation if they want as to what the next day it looks like in Gaza after this is all done and what the definition of Hamas is… but we adamantly want… all of those hostages home.”
Trump had previously expressed this position on Truth Social, writing on August 18- just hours after Hamas accepted the Arab mediators’ latest proposal- that hostages would only be freed once Hamas was dismantled entirely. The White House has said it is still reviewing the phased deal proposal, according to The Times of Israel.
Despite Hamas’ acceptance of the 60-day plan, Witkoff accused the group of delaying progress. He alleged they “slow-played that process” last month and only shifted under Israeli pressure. “It is Hamas now who's saying we accept that deal, and I think in large part they're saying that and changing their mind because the Israelis are putting some very intense pressure on them,” he said, without commenting on whether Israel should continue the same approach.
Pressed on why he was optimistic about ending the war, Witkoff said, “We think we’re going to settle this one way or another, certainly before the end of this year.”
“Anytime you have civilian deaths, it’s a tragedy,” he added, before noting that Trump had personally met with almost every Israeli hostage family.
Airstrikes intensify across Gaza
Israel has not accepted the hostage proposal and is pressing ahead with a ground operation to dismantle Hamas as part of its Gaza evacuation plan.
Meanwhile, Israeli strikes have intensified. At least 61 people have been killed across Gaza since dawn Monday, including seven seeking aid. Gaza’s Civil defence said Israel has destroyed 1,000 buildings in Gaza City since August 6, leaving hundreds trapped under rubble. Ongoing shelling and blocked access routes have prevented rescue and aid operations.
“Many people are going to see how robust it is and how well meaning it is, and it reflects President Trump’s humanitarian motives,” Witkoff said in an interview with Fox News, as quoted by The Times of Israel. He did not provide further details.
According to the report, this is the first time Witkoff has disclosed the existence of a US plan for Gaza’s post-war management. His remarks marked a shift, as Washington had largely deferred on the issue to Arab allies since Trump’s February comments about taking over Gaza and permanently relocating its residents. Israel welcomed the idea, but regional partners rejected it.
Trump administration rejects partial hostage deals
Witkoff reiterated the administration’s stance on ceasefire negotiations, stressing opposition to additional partial Gaza hostage deals. “That’s the official position, and that’s President Trump’s official position. I think that he has said to himself, ‘You don’t need to keep those hostages,’” he said.
He added, “We’ll have a negotiation if they want as to what the next day it looks like in Gaza after this is all done and what the definition of Hamas is… but we adamantly want… all of those hostages home.”
Trump had previously expressed this position on Truth Social, writing on August 18- just hours after Hamas accepted the Arab mediators’ latest proposal- that hostages would only be freed once Hamas was dismantled entirely. The White House has said it is still reviewing the phased deal proposal, according to The Times of Israel.
Despite Hamas’ acceptance of the 60-day plan, Witkoff accused the group of delaying progress. He alleged they “slow-played that process” last month and only shifted under Israeli pressure. “It is Hamas now who's saying we accept that deal, and I think in large part they're saying that and changing their mind because the Israelis are putting some very intense pressure on them,” he said, without commenting on whether Israel should continue the same approach.
Pressed on why he was optimistic about ending the war, Witkoff said, “We think we’re going to settle this one way or another, certainly before the end of this year.”
“Anytime you have civilian deaths, it’s a tragedy,” he added, before noting that Trump had personally met with almost every Israeli hostage family.
Airstrikes intensify across Gaza
Israel has not accepted the hostage proposal and is pressing ahead with a ground operation to dismantle Hamas as part of its Gaza evacuation plan.
Meanwhile, Israeli strikes have intensified. At least 61 people have been killed across Gaza since dawn Monday, including seven seeking aid. Gaza’s Civil defence said Israel has destroyed 1,000 buildings in Gaza City since August 6, leaving hundreds trapped under rubble. Ongoing shelling and blocked access routes have prevented rescue and aid operations.
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