Trump's Envoy To Meet Netanyahu Encourages Aid To Gaza And Ceasefire

JAKARTA - US special envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to arrive in Israel on Thursday in a bid to rescue Gaza's ceasefire negotiations and address the humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian territories. Global hunger observers previously warned hunger was happening.

Indirect ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas in Doha ended in a stalemate last week.

As reported by Reuters on Thursday, July 31, both sides blamed trade on this deadlock and there are still gaps over various issues, including the extent of the withdrawal of Israeli troops.

Witkoff, who will meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, arrived amid growing international pressure over Gaza, with Canada becoming the latest Western power to claim recognition of the Palestinian state.

On Wednesday, July 30, Israel sent a response to Hamas' latest amendment to a US proposal that would include a 60-day ceasefire and the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, according to a source familiar with the details.

There has been no immediate comment from Hamas.

Gaza's medical officials said 23 people were reportedly killed by Israeli fire in the region, including 12 people among the crowd gathered to receive aid around the Netzarim corridor, an Israeli troop-controlled territory in central Gaza.

The Israeli military said it was investigating the report.

Since the war began, Gaza's Ministry of Health has recorded 154 deaths from hunger and malnutrition, largely occurring in recent weeks, including at least 89 children.

Facing growing international anger over photos of children starving, Israel said on Sunday it halted military operations for 10 hours a day in some Gaza region and set safe routes for convoys delivering food and medicine.