Steve Witkoff, President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming special envoy to the Middle East, revealed on Tuesday that he is actively engaged in peace negotiations between Israel and Hamas. Witkoff expressed his intention to work alongside the Biden administration officials, particularly White House Middle East coordinator Brett McGurk, to facilitate a temporary 42-day ceasefire deal before Trump’s inauguration later this month.
Witkoff emphasized the collaborative nature of the negotiations, stating that both teams are focused on achieving a positive outcome and are willing to set aside personal agendas for the greater good. He praised President Trump's involvement in driving the narrative of the talks while also acknowledging the efforts of President Joe Biden's team.
With a sense of urgency, Witkoff expressed hope that the temporary ceasefire could be implemented before January 20, underscoring the importance of swift action in securing the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. He confirmed plans to travel to Qatar alongside McGurk to continue facilitating the negotiations.
During a news conference, Trump issued a warning, stating that failure to release the hostages could lead to dire consequences. The Hostage Families Forum echoed Trump's commitment to securing the release of their loved ones and urged all parties involved to reach a deal before the presidential inauguration.
The ongoing collaboration between the Trump administration and the Biden team signifies a united front in addressing the complex issues in the Middle East and working towards a peaceful resolution in the region.
