US Diplomat Visits Gaza, Surveys Gaza Damage in High-Stakes Visit

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Steve Witkoff, the former Trump envoy to Israel, visited aid sites in Gaza recently amid intensifying criticism of Israel’s handling of the humanitarian crisis in the region. Witkoff, accompanied by US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, toured distribution points operated by the Global Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a US- and Israeli-backed organization. 

His visit follows reports from human rights groups accusing Israeli forces of targeting civilians seeking aid, resulting in hundreds of deaths. It reportedly lasted over five hours. In a social media post, Witkoff stated the goal was to “craft a plan to deliver food and medical aid” to civilians in Gaza.

However, local medical sources say that while the visit was underway, Israeli forces killed at least 36 Palestinians, including a 12-year-old boy searching for food. Witnesses said expectations for a possible ceasefire were quickly overshadowed by continued violence.

The Gaza Health Ministry reports that over 160 people have died of famine-related causes since October 2023, including nearly 90 children. Since May 27, at least 1,373 people have reportedly been killed while attempting to access aid.

On Friday, Human Rights Watch labelled Israel’s use of starvation tactics a “war crime,” citing both the restriction of aid and repeated fatal incidents at aid sites. Belkis Wille, HRW’s associate crisis and conflict director, condemned the militarized distribution system as fundamentally flawed and deadly.

The United Nations and other global bodies have repeatedly warned that famine is now underway in Gaza, worsened by Israel’s blockade of humanitarian supplies. Former United Nations (UN) humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths also criticised the GHF system, calling it a “catastrophe” and “a betrayal of humanitarian values.”

International calls for urgent action are increasing. Germany, France, and Portugal have joined the UK and Canada in pledging humanitarian support, with Germany committing an additional $5.7 million via the World Food Program. Both German and French forces have begun aid airdrops into Gaza.

President Emmanuel Macron said the airdrops alone are insufficient, urging Israel to grant full humanitarian access to avoid further loss of life. The pressure continues to mount on Israel as global scrutiny intensifies over its response to Gaza’s escalating humanitarian crisis.