U.S. Envoy Witkoff to Visit Gaza in Effort to Expand Humanitarian Aid Amid Crisis

Download IPFS

White House Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff is set to enter Gaza on Friday to assess humanitarian aid operations amid growing concerns over malnutrition and hunger in the region. The announcement follows a meeting in Tel Aviv on Thursday between Witkoff, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

According to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the meeting was focused on food and aid distribution efforts in Gaza. “President Trump is a humanitarian with a big heart, and that’s why he sent special envoy Witkoff to the region in an effort to save lives and end this crisis,” Leavitt said during a briefing.

The visit comes days after President Donald Trump publicly disagreed with Prime Minister Netanyahu’s claim that there is “no starvation” occurring in Gaza. In contrast, Trump pledged to increase U.S. involvement in aid efforts, including the establishment of food distribution centers to address the worsening conditions.

Leavitt confirmed that Witkoff and Huckabee will visit current food distribution sites in Gaza to evaluate logistics and speak directly with residents impacted by the crisis. “They will inspect the current distribution sites and secure a plan to deliver more food and meet with local Gazans to hear firsthand about this dire situation on the ground,” she said.

Following the site inspections, the two officials are expected to return to brief President Trump and finalize a comprehensive plan for U.S. food and aid distribution. “We will provide more details for all of you once that plan is approved and agreed on by the president of the United States,” Leavitt added.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog, in a statement shared in Hebrew on social media, called Witkoff’s visit a “vital and critical effort” that could also contribute to ongoing negotiations regarding the return of hostages held by Hamas.

The planned visit underscores the Trump administration’s continued engagement in regional humanitarian issues while navigating complex diplomatic tensions. The Gaza Strip, home to more than two million residents, remains the center of international attention amid escalating concerns over access to basic necessities.