US President Donald Trump’s Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, addressed Israelis, who gathered at Tel Aviv’s Hostages’ Square on Saturday evening ahead of the scheduled release of hostages by Hamas, and said miracles can happen when courage meets conviction. He was joined by Ivanka Trump, the US president’s daughter, and her husband, Jared Kushner. “When courage meets conviction, miracles can happen,” Witkoff told the audience. “You have carried the weight of hope on your shoulders for the entire world. You’ve prayed, you’ve persevered. And you’ve shown the world that peace is not weakness. It is the highest form of strength. Through heartbreak and fear, you have never let go of the faith.”&nbsp;“First and foremost I want to honour the people of Israel. Your courage and endurance inspired the world,” Witkoff said.&nbsp;“We stand here tonight, Jews, Christians, Muslims, and people from every corner of the world, united by one shared prayer, for peace,” he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-president-joe-biden-starts-undergoing-radiation-therapy-for-aggressive-cancer-1760191355285">Former US president Joe Biden starts undergoing radiation therapy for ‘aggressive’ cancer</a><h2>‘We all owe a debt of deep gratitude to President Trump’</h2>&nbsp;When Witkoff remarked how he wished Trump had been able to attend, saying, “I wish the president was here, he would love this,” the crowd erupted into chants of “Thank you, Trump.”&nbsp;“We all owe a debt of deep gratitude to President Trump,” he said.&nbsp;WATCH: Breaking: US Envoy Steve Witkoff addresses the families of hostages in Tel Aviv<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/breaking-us-envoy-steve-witkoff-addresses-the-families-of-hostages-in-tel-aviv-1760205936908/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/breaking-us-envoy-steve-witkoff-addresses-the-families-of-hostages-in-tel-aviv-1760205936908/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Members of the crowd booed when Witkoff mentioned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but the American envoy insisted that the prime minister was instrumental in bringing the deal to fruition. He also thanked the other regional nations that helped make the deal possible.&nbsp;“Your courage has moved the world,” Wikoff said to families of the hostages.&nbsp;“To the hostages themselves: you are coming home,” he said, prompting applause and cheers.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-no-survivors-after-massive-blast-at-explosives-plant-in-tennessee-says-sheriff-1760203068947">‘No survivors’ after massive blast at explosives plant in Tennessee, says sheriff</a>&nbsp;Witkoff handed the microphone to Jared Kushner, who said he “couldn’t be prouder to be a friend of Israel”.&nbsp;He then called for lasting peace in the Middle East, and thanked the crowd for their efforts to bring the hostages home.&nbsp;Ivanka Trump, in her short address, said, “God bless you all for standing in solidarity together through this dark chapter.”&nbsp;“The return of each hostage is not only a moment of homecoming but also of triumph of courage and our shared humanity,” she added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-moves-palestinian-prisoners-ahead-of-their-release-under-gaza-ceasefire-deal-1760195518820">Israel moves Palestinian prisoners ahead of their release under Gaza ceasefire deal</a>&nbsp;The trio then left the stage as the repeated cheers of “Thank you, Trump” rang out from the crowd.&nbsp;Earlier, Steve Witkoff waved to the crowds as he entered Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square to address the rally organized by the Hostages Families Forum. Witkoff and Kushner were involved in drawing up the plan to end the war in Gaza.

Members of the crowd booed when Witkoff mentioned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but the American envoy insisted that the prime minister was instrumental in bringing the deal to fruition. Witkoff also thanked the other regional nations that helped make the deal possible.

US President Donald Trump’s Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, addressed Israelis, who gathered at Tel Aviv’s Hostages’ Square on Saturday evening ahead of the scheduled release of hostages by Hamas, and said miracles can happen when courage meets conviction. He was joined by Ivanka Trump, the US president’s daughter, and her husband, Jared Kushner. “When courage meets conviction, miracles can happen,” Witkoff told the audience. “You have carried the weight of hope on your shoulders for the entire world. You’ve prayed, you’ve persevered. And you’ve shown the world that peace is not weakness. It is the highest form of strength. Through heartbreak and fear, you have never let go of the faith.” “First and foremost I want to honour the people of Israel. Your courage and endurance inspired the world,” Witkoff said. “We stand here tonight, Jews, Christians, Muslims, and people from every corner of the world, united by one shared prayer, for peace,” he said. Also Read: Former US president Joe Biden starts undergoing radiation therapy for ‘aggressive’ cancer ‘We all owe a debt of deep gratitude to President Trump’ When Witkoff remarked how he wished Trump had been able to attend, saying, “I wish the president was here, he would love this,” the crowd erupted into chants of “Thank you, Trump.” “We all owe a debt of deep gratitude to President Trump,” he said. WATCH: Breaking: US Envoy Steve Witkoff addresses the families of hostages in Tel Aviv https://www.wionews.com/videos/breaking-us-envoy-steve-witkoff-addresses-the-families-of-hostages-in-tel-aviv-1760205936908/embed Members of the crowd booed when Witkoff mentioned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but the American envoy insisted that the prime minister was instrumental in bringing the deal to fruition. He also thanked the other regional nations that helped make the deal possible. “Your courage has moved the world,” Wikoff said to families of the hostages. “To the hostages themselves: you are coming home,” he said, prompting applause and cheers. Also Read: ‘No survivors’ after massive blast at explosives plant in Tennessee, says sheriff Witkoff handed the microphone to Jared Kushner, who said he “couldn’t be prouder to be a friend of Israel”. He then called for lasting peace in the Middle East, and thanked the crowd for their efforts to bring the hostages home. Ivanka Trump, in her short address, said, “God bless you all for standing in solidarity together through this dark chapter.” “The return of each hostage is not only a moment of homecoming but also of triumph of courage and our shared humanity,” she added. Also Read: Israel moves Palestinian prisoners ahead of their release under Gaza ceasefire deal The trio then left the stage as the repeated cheers of “Thank you, Trump” rang out from the crowd. Earlier, Steve Witkoff waved to the crowds as he entered Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square to address the rally organized by the Hostages Families Forum. Witkoff and Kushner were involved in drawing up the plan to end the war in Gaza.

Members of the crowd booed when Witkoff mentioned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but the American envoy insisted that the prime minister was instrumental in bringing the deal to fruition. Witkoff also thanked the other regional nations that helped make the deal possible.

‘Miracles happen when courage meets conviction,’ Trump envoy Steve Witkoff tells rally at Hostages’ Square

President Donald Trump’s son-in-law and a senior envoy are heading to Egypt on Saturday to finalise the details of the release of hostages, as the US president warned he would “not tolerate delay” by Hamas in implementing the peace plan with Israel. A White House official confirmed that Jared Kushner and Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff are travelling to the region to address the finalisation of details on the release of hostages and to discuss the deal pushed by the US president to bring an end to the conflict between Israel and Hamas, reported AFP.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Palestinian militant group buckled on Friday and agreed to Trump’s plan for ending the war that has been going on two years, saying it was ready to release all hostages and discuss details on the deal.Trump then called on Israel to “immediately” halt its bombings of the war-ravaged territory.&nbsp;WATCH: India-Russia ties: 'Russia can't make a deal with Pak to make India feel uncomfortable'<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-russia-ties-russia-can-t-make-a-deal-with-pak-to-make-india-feel-uncomfortable-1759602012800/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-russia-ties-russia-can-t-make-a-deal-with-pak-to-make-india-feel-uncomfortable-1759602012800/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Hours later, the civil defence agency in Gaza claimed that at least 57 people were killed in Israeli strikes since Saturday dawn, including 40 in Gaza City alone.“Hamas must move quickly, or else all bets will be off. I will not tolerate delay, which many think will happen, or any outcome where Gaza poses a threat again,” Trump posted on Truth Social.“Let’s get this done, FAST. Everyone will be treated fairly!”&nbsp;Trump’s Gaza peace proposal calls for a halt to hostilities, the release of hostages within 72 hours, a gradual Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and disarmament of Hamas.In an interview on Saturday with Axios, Trump said a peace deal in Gaza was “close”and that he will push to have it finalized in coming days. “I said, ‘Bibi, this is your chance for victory.’ He was fine with it,” Trump told the publication. “He’s got to be fine with it. He has no choice. With me, you got to be fine.”&nbsp;Trump also said his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan was “very helpful” in urging Hamas to agree to the release of hostages. “Erdogan helped a lot. He is a tough guy, but he is a friend of mine,” Trump said.

A White House official confirmed that Jared Kushner and Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff are travelling to the region to address the finalisation of details on the release of hostages and to discuss the deal pushed by the US president to end the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

President Donald Trump’s son-in-law and a senior envoy are heading to Egypt on Saturday to finalise the details of the release of hostages, as the US president warned he would “not tolerate delay” by Hamas in implementing the peace plan with Israel. A White House official confirmed that Jared Kushner and Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff are travelling to the region to address the finalisation of details on the release of hostages and to discuss the deal pushed by the US president to bring an end to the conflict between Israel and Hamas, reported AFP. The Palestinian militant group buckled on Friday and agreed to Trump’s plan for ending the war that has been going on two years, saying it was ready to release all hostages and discuss details on the deal. Trump then called on Israel to “immediately” halt its bombings of the war-ravaged territory. WATCH: India-Russia ties: 'Russia can't make a deal with Pak to make India feel uncomfortable' https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-russia-ties-russia-can-t-make-a-deal-with-pak-to-make-india-feel-uncomfortable-1759602012800/embed Hours later, the civil defence agency in Gaza claimed that at least 57 people were killed in Israeli strikes since Saturday dawn, including 40 in Gaza City alone. “Hamas must move quickly, or else all bets will be off. I will not tolerate delay, which many think will happen, or any outcome where Gaza poses a threat again,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “Let’s get this done, FAST. Everyone will be treated fairly!” Trump’s Gaza peace proposal calls for a halt to hostilities, the release of hostages within 72 hours, a gradual Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and disarmament of Hamas. In an interview on Saturday with Axios, Trump said a peace deal in Gaza was “close”and that he will push to have it finalized in coming days. “I said, ‘Bibi, this is your chance for victory.’ He was fine with it,” Trump told the publication. “He’s got to be fine with it. He has no choice. With me, you got to be fine.” Trump also said his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan was “very helpful” in urging Hamas to agree to the release of hostages. “Erdogan helped a lot. He is a tough guy, but he is a friend of mine,” Trump said.

A White House official confirmed that Jared Kushner and Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff are travelling to the region to address the finalisation of details on the release of hostages and to discuss the deal pushed by the US president to end the conflict between Israel and Hamas.&nbsp;

Trump’s envoy Witkoff, son-in-law Jared Kushner to expedite Gaza peace deal

US President Donald Trump assured Arab and Muslim leaders on Tuesday that he would not allow Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to annex the West Bank, according to a Politico report. The report said Trump was firm on the point, stressing that Israel would not be permitted to absorb the territory, which is governed by the Palestinian Authority. Another source said that even with this assurance, a ceasefire to end Israel’s nearly two-year war with Hamas remained far out of reach.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-we-don-t-want-to-punish-india-us-tells-india-to-buy-oil-from-anywhere-just-not-russia-1758781214297">'We don’t want to punish India': US tells India to buy oil from 'anywhere, just not Russia'</a><h2>What plan did Trump’s team present?</h2>The report said Trump’s team presented a white paper outlining its vision for ending the conflict. The document included the annexation pledge as well as proposals on governance and postwar security. Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy for peace missions, shared some details the following day at the Concordia summit in New York. “We presented what we call the Trump 21-point plan for peace in the Mideast in Gaza,” he said. “I think it addresses Israeli concerns and as well, the concerns of all the neighbours in the region.” Witkoff did not mention the West Bank directly.<h2>How did Arab leaders respond?</h2>Before the meeting at the United Nations, Trump told reporters it was his “most important” engagement of the day. He left without taking questions and no official readout was issued. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan later called the meeting “fruitful” in an interview with Fox News but did not share details. Erdogan is scheduled to meet Trump again at the White House on Thursday.Arab leaders have been increasingly frustrated by Trump’s backing of Netanyahu’s war and his refusal to recognise a Palestinian state. Ahead of the talks, they warned that any Israeli move to annex the West Bank could shatter the Abraham Accords, Trump’s signature diplomatic achievement that normalised ties between Israel and several Arab nations.<h2>Why does annexation remain a flashpoint?</h2>Calls within Israel to formally annex parts of the West Bank have grown after several US allies recognised a Palestinian state. Far-right members of Netanyahu’s government see this as a chance to deliver on a long-held ambition of absorbing the territory. Netanyahu, facing elections next year, may use the issue to shore up support among hardliners. His government has already expanded settlements and deepened security control across the West Bank.Arab and European officials have warned that annexation would end any remaining prospects of a two-state solution and block Israel’s integration into the wider Middle East.Netanyahu is set to meet Trump at the White House on Monday. Arab officials and other observers are watching closely to see if Trump will take a tougher line on the Israeli leader. The war has already killed more than 64,000 Palestinians, and Arab states insist that annexation of the West Bank is a red line.

Donald Trump assured Arab leaders he would block Netanyahu’s West Bank annexation, unveiling a 21-point peace plan, but frustrations over Israel’s Gaza war and rejection of Palestinian statehood continue to strain regional diplomacy.

US President Donald Trump assured Arab and Muslim leaders on Tuesday that he would not allow Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to annex the West Bank, according to a Politico report. The report said Trump was firm on the point, stressing that Israel would not be permitted to absorb the territory, which is governed by the Palestinian Authority. Another source said that even with this assurance, a ceasefire to end Israel’s nearly two-year war with Hamas remained far out of reach. Also read: 'We don’t want to punish India': US tells India to buy oil from 'anywhere, just not Russia' What plan did Trump’s team present? The report said Trump’s team presented a white paper outlining its vision for ending the conflict. The document included the annexation pledge as well as proposals on governance and postwar security. Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy for peace missions, shared some details the following day at the Concordia summit in New York. “We presented what we call the Trump 21-point plan for peace in the Mideast in Gaza,” he said. “I think it addresses Israeli concerns and as well, the concerns of all the neighbours in the region.” Witkoff did not mention the West Bank directly. How did Arab leaders respond? Before the meeting at the United Nations, Trump told reporters it was his “most important” engagement of the day. He left without taking questions and no official readout was issued. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan later called the meeting “fruitful” in an interview with Fox News but did not share details. Erdogan is scheduled to meet Trump again at the White House on Thursday. Arab leaders have been increasingly frustrated by Trump’s backing of Netanyahu’s war and his refusal to recognise a Palestinian state. Ahead of the talks, they warned that any Israeli move to annex the West Bank could shatter the Abraham Accords, Trump’s signature diplomatic achievement that normalised ties between Israel and several Arab nations. Why does annexation remain a flashpoint? Calls within Israel to formally annex parts of the West Bank have grown after several US allies recognised a Palestinian state. Far-right members of Netanyahu’s government see this as a chance to deliver on a long-held ambition of absorbing the territory. Netanyahu, facing elections next year, may use the issue to shore up support among hardliners. His government has already expanded settlements and deepened security control across the West Bank. Arab and European officials have warned that annexation would end any remaining prospects of a two-state solution and block Israel’s integration into the wider Middle East. Netanyahu is set to meet Trump at the White House on Monday. Arab officials and other observers are watching closely to see if Trump will take a tougher line on the Israeli leader. The war has already killed more than 64,000 Palestinians, and Arab states insist that annexation of the West Bank is a red line.

Donald Trump assured Arab leaders he would block Netanyahu’s West Bank annexation, unveiling a 21-point peace plan, but frustrations over Israel’s Gaza war and rejection of Palestinian statehood continue to strain regional diplomacy.

Trump’s 21-point peace plan: Will it stop Netanyahu from annexing the West Bank? Arab leaders say the US president promised

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee will travel to Gaza on Friday to inspect food distribution centres before the rollout of a new American aid plan, the White House announced on Thursday (July 31). The trip comes amid growing concern over hunger and limited access to humanitarian support in Gaza, and follows a series of meetings between US and Israeli officials on how best to deliver assistance.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-disagreeing-in-a-very-real-way-trump-suspects-netanyahu-is-dragging-gaza-war-for-political-gain-1753995119999">'Disagreeing in a very real way': Trump suspects Netanyahu is dragging Gaza war for political gain</a><h2>What does the US visit aim to achieve?</h2>“Special envoy Witkoff and Ambassador Huckabee will be travelling into Gaza to inspect the current distribution sites and secure a plan to deliver more food and meet with local Gazans to hear firsthand about this dire situation on the ground,” said White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. “The special envoy and the ambassador will brief the president immediately after their visit to approve a final plan for food and aid distribution into the region,” she said. She added, “President Trump is a humanitarian with a big heart, and that’s why he sent special envoy Witkoff to the region in an effort to save lives and end this crisis.”<h2>US officials meet Netanyahu ahead of Gaza trip</h2>Witkoff and Huckabee earlier held a “very productive” meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior Israeli officials to discuss the situation, according to Leavitt. The two American envoys are expected to inspect existing food sites and speak directly with Palestinians affected by the crisis. Their report will help finalise the US strategy, which US President Donald Trump is expected to approve shortly after.<h2>Trump proposes new food centres without fences</h2>On Monday, Trump announced that the US would help establish new food centres in Gaza. While details remain limited, he said these sites would not be fenced, ensuring Palestinians can access aid freely. By Tuesday, Trump added that Israel would be in charge of managing the distribution sites. However, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have reportedly been reluctant to take on the task, citing concerns over troop safety.<h2>Gaza Humanitarian Foundation under scrutiny</h2>It remains unclear if the new US plan will involve the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a group already contracted by Israel to distribute food. For the past two months, GHF has been central to aid operations, with the Trump administration approving a $30 million donation to the group. However, the GHF’s centres are located mainly in southern and central Gaza, forcing many Palestinians to travel long and dangerous routes to access basic supplies. Aid groups and the United Nations have raised concerns about Israel’s heavy reliance on GHF.<h2>Trump: Starvation in Gaza must end, but Israel must act too</h2>Trump has recently acknowledged that starvation in Gaza is real and has promised to increase US assistance. Still, he insists that other Western nations and Israel must also step up. While the humanitarian push continues, Trump has not ruled out military escalation. He suggested this week that Israel might need to intensify its operations to pressure Hamas into agreeing to a hostage deal.

US Envoy Steve Witkoff and Ambassador Huckabee will visit Gaza to assess food distribution, meet locals, and finalise an aid plan amid worsening hunger, aiming to improve humanitarian support efforts.

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee will travel to Gaza on Friday to inspect food distribution centres before the rollout of a new American aid plan, the White House announced on Thursday (July 31). The trip comes amid growing concern over hunger and limited access to humanitarian support in Gaza, and follows a series of meetings between US and Israeli officials on how best to deliver assistance. Also read: 'Disagreeing in a very real way': Trump suspects Netanyahu is dragging Gaza war for political gain What does the US visit aim to achieve? “Special envoy Witkoff and Ambassador Huckabee will be travelling into Gaza to inspect the current distribution sites and secure a plan to deliver more food and meet with local Gazans to hear firsthand about this dire situation on the ground,” said White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. “The special envoy and the ambassador will brief the president immediately after their visit to approve a final plan for food and aid distribution into the region,” she said. She added, “President Trump is a humanitarian with a big heart, and that’s why he sent special envoy Witkoff to the region in an effort to save lives and end this crisis.” US officials meet Netanyahu ahead of Gaza trip Witkoff and Huckabee earlier held a “very productive” meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior Israeli officials to discuss the situation, according to Leavitt. The two American envoys are expected to inspect existing food sites and speak directly with Palestinians affected by the crisis. Their report will help finalise the US strategy, which US President Donald Trump is expected to approve shortly after. Trump proposes new food centres without fences On Monday, Trump announced that the US would help establish new food centres in Gaza. While details remain limited, he said these sites would not be fenced, ensuring Palestinians can access aid freely. By Tuesday, Trump added that Israel would be in charge of managing the distribution sites. However, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have reportedly been reluctant to take on the task, citing concerns over troop safety. Gaza Humanitarian Foundation under scrutiny It remains unclear if the new US plan will involve the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a group already contracted by Israel to distribute food. For the past two months, GHF has been central to aid operations, with the Trump administration approving a $30 million donation to the group. However, the GHF’s centres are located mainly in southern and central Gaza, forcing many Palestinians to travel long and dangerous routes to access basic supplies. Aid groups and the United Nations have raised concerns about Israel’s heavy reliance on GHF. Trump: Starvation in Gaza must end, but Israel must act too Trump has recently acknowledged that starvation in Gaza is real and has promised to increase US assistance. Still, he insists that other Western nations and Israel must also step up. While the humanitarian push continues, Trump has not ruled out military escalation. He suggested this week that Israel might need to intensify its operations to pressure Hamas into agreeing to a hostage deal.

US Envoy Steve Witkoff and Ambassador Huckabee will visit Gaza to assess food distribution, meet locals, and finalise an aid plan amid worsening hunger, aiming to improve humanitarian support efforts.

'Trump is humanitarian with big heart': US President to approve new Gaza aid plan after Witkoff and Huckabee visit Strip

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‘Miracles happen when courage meets conviction,’ Trump envoy Steve Witkoff tells rally at Hostages’ Square

Trump’s envoy Witkoff, son-in-law Jared Kushner to expedite Gaza peace deal

Trump’s 21-point peace plan: Will it stop Netanyahu from annexing the West Bank?

Trump to approve new Gaza aid plan after Witkoff and Huckabee visit Strip