On Saturday, U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy informed families of hostages held by the Palestinian militant group Hamas that he is working on a joint plan with the Israeli government aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza.
While ending the conflict remains a key priority for the Trump administration, progress in negotiations has stalled. Steve Witkoff is visiting Israel amid increasing pressure over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Witkoff stated, “We are working on a very good plan together with the Israeli government under the leadership of Prime Minister Netanyahu. This plan envisions the reconstruction of Gaza and the effective end of the war.”
The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment on his remarks.
Witkoff also said that Hamas is prepared to disarm to end the war, although Hamas has repeatedly stated it will not relinquish its weapons.
The group declared that it would only cease “armed resistance” once “an independent and fully sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital” is established.
Indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel, aimed at securing a 60-day ceasefire and the release of half the hostages, ended in deadlock last week.
On Saturday, Hamas released a second video of Israeli hostage Evyatar David. In the footage, David, visibly weakened, is shown digging a grave for himself.
David’s brother told a rally in Tel Aviv supporting the hostages that they are “on the brink of death” and may have only days left to live.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said, “The world cannot remain silent in the face of the deliberate torture of the hostages, including the starvation they are enduring.”
Witkoff visited Israel on Thursday amid global outcry over the destruction and growing hunger in Gaza under Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government.
Senior Israeli officials say an understanding is emerging between Israel and the US that the plan to end the war must move beyond releasing some hostages to include freeing all hostages, disarming Hamas, and demilitarising the Gaza Strip.
The situation in Gaza remains dire. Qatar and Egypt are mediating ceasefire efforts and have endorsed a declaration by France and Saudi Arabia outlining steps toward a two-state solution. This includes Hamas handing over its weapons to the Western-backed Palestinian Authority.
In recent weeks, many have died from food shortages in Gaza. UN agencies say that Israel’s air-dropped aid is insufficient and are pressing Israel to increase land-based assistance.
The Gaza conflict began on 7 October 2023 when Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel, killing more than 1,200 people and taking 251 hostage. Israel’s counter-offensive has since killed over 60,000 Palestinians.
Currently, around 50 hostages remain in Gaza, with only 20 believed to be alive.
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Australia has granted humanitarian visas to five Iranian women footballers who sought asylum, fearing persecution after refusing to sing their nati...
A towering lava fountain from Kilauea shot about 400 metres into the air late on Tuesday (11 March) on Hawaii Island, prompting temporary closures ...
Centuries-old palaces and mosques in Isfahan, Iran’s celebrated cultural capital, lie in ruins after a series of air raids struck the city&rs...
Tensions in the region remained high on Tuesday (10 March), as the United States and Iran exchanged increasingly sharp warnings, including thr...
Australia has granted humanitarian visas to five Iranian women footballers who sought asylum, fearing persecution after refusing to sing their national anthem at an Asia Cup match.
A towering lava fountain from Kilauea shot about 400 metres into the air late on Tuesday (11 March) on Hawaii Island, prompting temporary closures at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and part of a key highway as volcanic ash and debris fell over nearby areas.
Centuries-old palaces and mosques in Isfahan, Iran’s celebrated cultural capital, lie in ruins after a series of air raids struck the city’s historic centre, leaving officials to warn of a devastating loss to both national and global heritage. AnewZ’s Touraj Shiralilou visited the city.
Tensions in the region remained high on Tuesday (10 March), as the United States and Iran exchanged increasingly sharp warnings, including threats over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil supplies.
Tensions in the region remained high on Tuesday (10 March), as the United States and Iran exchanged increasingly sharp warnings, including threats over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil supplies.
China has urged Afghanistan and Pakistan to resolve their dispute through dialogue after Chinese envoy Yue Xiaoyong met Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, as fighting between the two neighbours entered its eleventh day.
Kazakhstan has evacuated more than 7,300 citizens from the Middle East since regional tensions escalated, using both air and land routes to bring nationals home while closely monitoring political developments and potential economic effects linked to rising oil prices.
Almost 2,000 people have been evacuated from Iran via Azerbaijan since conflict erupted in the Middle East.
Norwegian police are searching for a suspect after an explosion at the U.S. embassy in Oslo on 8 March caused minor damage but no injuries, in what authorities say may have been a deliberate attack linked to the Middle East crisis.
The first batch of Peter Mandelson’s papers on his 2024 ambassadorial appointment is set to be published on Wednesday, following a parliamentary order. The release comes amid police investigations over his links to Jeffrey Epstein.
At least six people have died after a bus caught fire in Kerzers, Switzerland, in what police say may have been a deliberate act. Witnesses reported a man inside the vehicle set himself alight. Three others were injured and taken to hospital, while authorities continue their investigation.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 11th of March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Four people have sustained varying degrees of injuries after two drones fell near Dubai's International Airport on Wednesday, as Iran and Israel continue to exchange missile and drone strikes across the Middle East - all the latest updates throughout the day on AnewZ.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, has addressed the U.N. Security Council, saying the world must consider how effective its engagement with the Taliban-run country is as millions face hunger.
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