U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, informed families of hostages held by Hamas that he was collaborating with the Israeli government on a plan to end the Gaza war effectively.
During a recorded meeting reported by Reuters, Witkoff stated, “We have a very, very good plan that we’re working on collectively with the Israeli government… for the reconstruction of Gaza. That effectively means the end of the war.” The White House has not commented on the remarks.
This development comes amid stalled indirect negotiations for a 60-day ceasefire and partial hostage release, which ended in deadlock last month. Witkoff also claimed Hamas is ready to disarm, a statement rejected by the group, which insists on an “independent, fully sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital” before laying down arms.
Hamas released a second video in two days of Israeli hostage Evyatar David, showing him digging what he called his own grave. David’s brother, Ilay, at a Tel Aviv rally, said, “They are on the absolute brink of death.” Israeli Foreign Affairs Minister Gideon Sa’ar condemned the “sadistic abuse,” including starvation. According to Israeli officials, 50 hostages remain in Gaza, with only 20 believed alive.
President Trump’s special envoy told Israeli hostage families that the U.S. has a plan to bring home all the remaining captives held by Hamas in a sweeping deal and that an end to the war was near, according to a recording of the meeting. https://t.co/ysonH16sqT
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) August 2, 2025Witkoff visited a US-backed aid operation in southern Gaza on August 1, amid global outcry over deteriorating conditions. Gaza’s health ministry reported seven more malnutrition deaths since July 31, blaming Israel’s supply cutoff from March to May. Israel attributes the suffering to Hamas but claims to facilitate aid through pauses in fighting, air drops, and protected routes. UN agencies argue these measures are insufficient, calling for more land-based aid.
The Gaza war began with Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack, killing over 1,200 and taking 251 hostages, per Israeli figures. Israel’s response has killed more than 60,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials. Recent endorsements by Qatar and Egypt of a France-Saudi declaration outline steps for a two-state solution, requiring Hamas to disarm to the Palestinian Authority. Western powers are considering recognising a Palestinian state amid the crisis.
Witkoff met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on July 31, where a senior Israeli official noted emerging consensus on releasing all hostages, disarming Hamas, and demilitarising Gaza—Israel’s key demands
