White House Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff is preparing to travel to the region as part of the push for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage agreement, according to State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.
Witkoff’s expected involvement signals that Israel and Hamas may be nearing a breakthrough. U.S. and Israeli sources said he has made clear he would only join the talks if a deal appeared close. He is first expected to travel to Europe for meetings and will remain there awaiting word on whether progress justifies a trip to Doha later this week.
Mediators from the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt are awaiting Hamas’ response to the latest proposal. Sources familiar with the talks say Hamas is expected to deliver its reply Tuesday night, and that Qatari officials have urged the group not to reopen previously negotiated issues.
