The Gaza Strip is facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, with nearly 22 months of relentless conflict and severe food shortages sparking widespread international condemnation. Against this backdrop, US President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, arrived in Israel on Thursday to discuss ways to end the crisis. Witkoff’s visit comes as Israel faces mounting pressure to agree to a ceasefire and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, with Canada joining France and the UK in announcing plans to recognize a Palestinian state.
The situation in Gaza has taken a dire turn, with the territory’s civil defense agency reporting dozens of Palestinians killed in an incident where Israeli forces opened fire on a crowd attempting to block an aid convoy. According to reports, at least 58 people were killed when gunfire erupted as thousands of people rushed to stop aid trucks carrying humanitarian supplies to Gaza City. Witnesses described chaotic scenes, with the Israeli military claiming to have fired “warning shots” as Gazans gathered around the aid trucks. The incident highlights the precarious nature of aid distribution in Gaza, where desperation and violence often go hand in hand.
Witkoff will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss humanitarian aid and the “next steps” on Gaza, as indirect ceasefire and hostage release negotiations between Hamas and Israel remain at an impasse. The envoy may also visit a US-backed humanitarian group distributing food in Gaza. Despite being Israel’s staunchest international defender, Trump has occasionally found himself at odds with Netanyahu, particularly over the issue of humanitarian aid. Earlier this week, Trump promised to increase aid to Gaza, warning that the territory faces “real starvation” – a claim Netanyahu has disputed.
The international community has been vocal in its criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza, with UN-backed experts reporting that “famine is now unfolding” in the territory. The crisis has sparked widespread outrage, with images of sick and emaciated children drawing condemnation from world leaders. Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney has warned that the worsening suffering of civilians in Gaza leaves “no room for delay in coordinated international action to support peace”. Israel has responded by blasting Canada’s announcement as part of a “distorted campaign of international pressure”.
As the crisis deepens, the fate of Gaza’s civilians hangs in the balance. With Witkoff’s visit, there is hope that diplomatic efforts may lead to a breakthrough in the stalled ceasefire negotiations. However, the road ahead is fraught with challenges, and the international community’s ability to coordinate a response will be crucial in determining the outcome. Germany’s top diplomat Johann Wadephul is also expected in Jerusalem for talks with Netanyahu and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, underscoring the growing pressure on Israel to resolve the crisis.
