US special envoy Steve Witkoff said on Tuesday that President Donald Trump will chair a meeting on Gaza at the White House on Wednesday. He added that Washington expects the war in the Palestinian territory to end before 2025 begins.
Why It Matters
Trump promised during his 2024 campaign to end the Gaza war quickly. He repeated the vow after taking office in January. Nearly seven months later, the conflict continues.
Trump’s term began with a ceasefire that lasted two months. It collapsed on March 18, when Israeli strikes killed about 400 Palestinians. In recent weeks, shocking images of starving civilians and children have spread worldwide. These scenes increased criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Also Read: “There’s Nothing Conclusive”: Trump Backtracks on Gaza War Timeline
What Witkoff Said
On Fox News’ Special Report with Bret Baier, Witkoff confirmed a White House plan. He said: “Yes, we’ve got a large meeting in the White House tomorrow, chaired by the president, and it’s a very comprehensive plan we’re putting together on the next day.”
When asked if Israel should change its approach, Witkoff replied: “We think that we’re going to settle this one way or another, certainly before the end of this year.”
He added that Israel is ready to keep talks open with Hamas. According to him, Hamas also signaled interest in a settlement.
Context of the War
Israel launched its Gaza assault in October 2023 after Hamas attacked southern Israel. Hamas killed 1,200 people and took about 250 hostages, according to Israeli figures.
Since then, Gaza’s health authorities report that Israeli attacks have killed more than 62,000 Palestinians. The war displaced the entire population of Gaza and created a severe hunger crisis.
International courts received genocide and war crimes accusations against Israel, which Israel denies.
