Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with US President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, in Jerusalem on Wednesday to discuss progress in implementing the agreements with Hamas, including the full release of hostages and a ceasefire. The meeting was also an occasion to discuss Trump's idea of evacuating Gaza's population to Jordan and Egypt as part of a long-term plan for the reconstruction of the region, quoted by News.bg.
Witkoff stressed that the US will work with mediators to ensure that all stages of the deal with Hamas are implemented, calling on Netanyahu to overcome political obstacles that could slow the process. Despite tensions in Israel, where the far-right Religious Zionist party has threatened to leave the government if hostilities are not resumed, Netanyahu assured that the campaign against Hamas will continue.
According to Israeli media, the meeting, which lasted two and a half hours, included a discussion of plans to transfer millions of Gazans to Egypt and Jordan, as well as the strategic risks associated with this idea, which has been repeatedly raised by the US president. And although both Egypt and Jordan categorically reject the idea, senior Israeli officials share the impression that the US is seriously considering implementing this plan.
During his visit to the Gaza Strip, Witkoff became the first American representative to visit the region in more than a decade. He was reportedly present at inspections of Palestinian vehicles that have crossed north in recent days under the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. This visit underscores the seriousness of U.S. efforts to stabilize the region and promote the continuation of the peace process.
In addition, Witkoff met in Saudi Arabia with Hussein Sheikh, a top aide to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, indicating that the Trump administration recognizes the importance of including the Palestinian component in future efforts to normalize relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia.