Gaza: According to CNN, Steve Witkoff, the United States special envoy to the Middle East, visited a US-backed food aid center in Gaza on Friday as the enclave's starvation problem worsened.
An Israeli source told CNN that Witkoff visited the contentious relief facility run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told journalists on Thursday that Witkoff and US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee were scheduled to visit Gaza to inspect the current distribution sites, secure a plan to deliver additional food, and meet with local Gazans to hear firsthand about the terrible situation on the ground.
Leavitt also said that Witkoff and Huckabee will brief the President immediately following their trip to approve a final plan for food and aid delivery into the area, adding that the White House will provide more details once that plan is approved and agreed upon by the President of the United States, CNN reported.
According to CNN, this is Witkoff's second journey to Gaza. His first visit occurred shortly after Donald Trump took office in January, making him the first US official in over a decade to set foot in the enclave.
The visit comes as the United States has withdrawn its negotiating team from Doha, where negotiations aimed at achieving a Gaza cease-fire were ongoing, CNN reported. According to US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, Hamas' most recent response clearly indicates a lack of willingness to negotiate a truce.
According to CNN, Witkoff stated in a message on X that the United States would now explore other options for bringing the hostages home and establishing a more stable atmosphere for the people of Gaza, but he did not specify what those possibilities are.
Witkoff, who visited Italy for meetings, said: "While the mediators have made excellent efforts, Hamas does not seem to be coordinated or acting in good faith. " It's a pity that Hamas acted in such a selfish manner. We are committed to finding an end to this conflict and a lasting peace in Gaza.
Following Hamas' response, Israel withdrew its mission from Doha. However, an Israeli source told CNN that the relocation should not be interpreted as a breakdown in negotiations, but rather as a step to enable decisions that cannot be made remotely.
CNN quoted a different official aware with the discussions as characterizing Hamas' reaction as positive, stating that although gaps persist, there is rising optimism that they are narrowing and that an agreement can be achieved.
Despite this, CNN stated that the future of the discussions remains unknown. It is unclear whether the United States is withdrawing from negotiations or utilizing the withdrawal as bargaining power.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to worsen. According to CNN, starvation fatalities are growing by the day, with Israeli regulations restricting relief delivery. Without a truce, aid shipments will remain vulnerable.
Under the Biden administration, the United States had a separate official for humanitarian access to Gaza. CNN emphasized that the Trump administration has not named a similar role. Instead, US officials have blamed Hamas for the situation and have supported the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which they claim helps to avoid aid theft by Hamas.
According to the United Nations, CNN reported ongoing conflict around GHF aid sites, with over 1,000 people killed while attempting to get aid. Local authorities report that more than a dozen people have died of starvation in the past week.
When asked about efforts to improve aid delivery without a ceasefire, State Department Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott said, We want to see an end to the destruction that has occurred in Gaza, which is why we have seen this commitment to get aid to the people who need it in a way that is not weaponized by Hamas.
That dedication remains. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has received support from President Trump and Secretary Rubio, indicating their dedication. That is why we continue to support the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, according to CNN.
