Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has weighed in on the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, asserting that the swiftest path to alleviating the suffering lies in the surrender of Hamas and the immediate release of hostages.
In a statement posted Thursday on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump wrote, “The fastest way to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is for Hamas to surrender and release the hostages!!” His remarks come amid renewed diplomatic efforts by the United States to broker a ceasefire agreement and secure the release of captives held by Hamas.
On the same day, U.S. special envoy Steve Wietkopf arrived in Israel at a pivotal moment in the stalled negotiations between the Israeli government and Hamas. The talks, aimed at reaching a truce and arranging a prisoner exchange, have shown little progress in recent weeks, as the conflict enters its tenth month.
Israeli media outlet Channel 12 described Wietkopf’s visit as “critical,” emphasizing that Israel faces mounting pressure to determine the future course of its military campaign in Gaza. According to the report, the envoy is scheduled to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his office in West Jerusalem around 2 p.m. local time.
Witkoff’s mission includes two primary objectives: assessing the prospects of continuing Israeli military operations in Gaza and evaluating the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the densely populated Palestinian territory. In addition to high-level political meetings, Witkoff is expected to visit a humanitarian aid distribution center run by the U.S.-based organization Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. The center operates in the southern part of the Gaza Strip and is one of the few remaining corridors for delivering aid to civilians.
Since the outbreak of the war on October 7, 2023, Gaza has witnessed a staggering human toll. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, at least 1,239 civilians have been killed and more than 8,152 wounded while waiting in line to receive food and medical aid. These casualties have largely resulted from Israeli army fire targeting gatherings near aid distribution points incidents that have drawn widespread international condemnation and renewed calls for accountability and restraint.
The ongoing war, triggered by a deadly cross-border attack by Hamas last year, has led to widespread devastation in Gaza, exacerbating already dire living conditions. Basic infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and water systems, has been severely damaged or rendered inoperable. Humanitarian agencies have repeatedly warned that without an immediate ceasefire and unfettered access to aid, the crisis will deepen further, risking famine, disease outbreaks, and further loss of life.
Trump’s intervention, though not part of the current administration’s official diplomatic track, adds to the growing chorus of voices urging a resolution. Whether his call resonates with decision-makers on either side remains uncertain, but it underscores the global urgency to end the hostilities and address the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza.
