Witkoff: "Devising a Very Comprehensive Plan"
Possibility of Agreement by Year-End Mentioned
President Donald Trump of the United States plans to hold a meeting at the White House on the 27th (local time) regarding the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip, according to Steve Witkoff, the President's special envoy.
Witkoff, who has been in charge of negotiations on the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, said in a Fox News interview on the 26th that when asked whether the Trump administration has a post-war vision for Gaza, "Yes. We are holding a major meeting at the White House tomorrow, presided over by the President."
He added, "We are devising a very comprehensive plan. Many people will see how solid and well-intentioned this plan is, and it reflects President Trump's humanitarian motivations."
Previously, in February, President Trump proposed a plan to relocate Palestinian residents of Gaza to other countries and then have the United States develop Gaza into a resort area, a proposal that drew strong criticism from the international community.
Witkoff stated that both Israel and Hamas are willing to end the war through negotiations, saying, "We certainly believe that, one way or another, this will be resolved before the end of this year."
Currently, Hamas has expressed its willingness to accept a ceasefire proposal from a mediating country, which centers on the release of 10 out of the approximately 20 surviving hostages as a first step. However, Israel maintains that there will be no agreement unless all hostages are released simultaneously, and continues its military operations in the Gaza Strip. In particular, Israel has decided to fully seize Gaza City, the largest city in the Gaza Strip, and is preparing for a full-scale military operation.
Regarding President Trump's mediation efforts to end the war in Ukraine, Witkoff said, "In some ways, the President is disappointed with Russia, and in some ways, he is disappointed with Ukraine as well."
He explained, "Russia has put a peace proposal on the table, which concerns Donetsk. While it may be something Ukraine cannot accept, no one else has made this much progress."
On the possibility of direct talks between Russia and Ukraine, Witkoff said, "I am meeting with Ukraine in New York this week, which is a big signal. We talk to Russia every day. I think we may see bilateral talks." However, he added, "In my view, to conclude negotiations, President Trump needs to be at the table. We are hopeful that by the end of this year, or perhaps even well before then, we will actually find the elements necessary for a peace agreement."
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