Steve Witkoff, the U.S. Middle East envoy for President Donald Trump, met with the families of Israeli hostages held in the Gaza Strip on August 2 (local time).
The Forum for Israeli Hostage and Missing Families announced that on the third day of his visit to Israel, Envoy Witkoff visited 'Hostage Square' in central Tel Aviv in the morning and held a meeting with the families for about two hours.
According to Israeli media, Envoy Witkoff explained, "The purpose of this visit is to assess the situation in the Gaza Strip and to verify humanitarian aid." He added, "Efforts led by Israel and the United States are being made to provide food and medicine. Although there are difficulties and shortages, there is no famine." He continued, "After refuting such claims by Hamas, we will be able to continue negotiations for ending the war and the return of the abductees."
Envoy Witkoff stated, "Most Israelis want the hostages to return," and added, "Most people in the Gaza Strip also want the hostages to return, as they hope for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip."
On July 24, Hamas demanded an expansion of the Israeli withdrawal and changes to the distribution of aid supplies. Israel announced its rejection of these demands on July 30.
On July 31, President Trump stated on his social media platform Truth Social, "The fastest way to end the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip is for Hamas to surrender and release the (Israeli) hostages."
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