A US envoy praised Egypt’s new Gaza plan Thursday, calling it a “good-faith first step” toward resolving the ongoing crisis.
Steve Witkoff, Trump’s Middle East pointman, emphasized the need for further discussion, but acknowledged Egypt’s proactive approach.
This plan emerged as an alternative to previous proposals that called for the mass displacement of Palestinians.
Witkoff credited Trump’s approach for encouraging Middle Eastern nations to present their own solutions.
He suggested Trump’s recent social media warning to Gaza, stating “you are DEAD” unless Hamas releases hostages, may foreshadow joint action with Israel.
“I think there’s going to be some action. It could be jointly with the Israelis,” Witkoff stated.
He further asserted that Hamas has an opportunity to “act reasonably” by releasing hostages, but will not be included in any future Gaza government.
The envoy’s comments highlight ongoing diplomatic efforts to address the Gaza conflict, while also indicating the potential for heightened military action.