On August 26, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff affirmed that President Donald Trump will chair a meeting on the Gaza situation at the White House, and stated that Washington expects the conflict in the Palestinian territory to end by the end of the year.
Mr Witkoff said on television that the meeting chaired by Mr Trump aimed to discuss a comprehensive plan for the post-conflict period. When asked if Israel needed to change its approach to quickly end the conflict and return the hostages, Witkoff stressed: "We believe we will solve the problem one way or another, definitely before the end of this year."
According to Mr. Witkoff, Israel has expressed its willingness to continue dialogue with Hamas forces, while Hamas also signaled that it does not rule out the possibility of reaching an agreement.
President Trump has pledged to quickly end the Gaza conflict during his 2024 election campaign and after taking office. Despite nearly 7 months of rule, that goal has not yet come true. His term began with a two-month ceasefire, but it ended after Israel launched airstrikes that killed about 400 Palestinians on March 18.
Images of Gaza residents, including many children who are starved, have shocked global public opinion and increased criticism of Israel over its serious humanitarian situation.
According to data from the Gaza Health Agency, Israeli attacks since October 2023 have claimed the lives of more than 62,000 Palestinians, forcing the entire population of the area to flee their homes. Israel is also facing accusations of war crimes and crimes against humanity in international courts, but the country has denied them.
