U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff has revealed a bold strategy to end the Gaza conflict, telling families of Hamas-held hostages that a reconstruction plan for Gaza could 'effectively mean the end of the war.' The proposal, developed with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, aims to rebuild the war-torn enclave while pushing Hamas to disarm—a demand the militant group has repeatedly rejected. 💥
Behind the Scenes of the Deal
In leaked audio from a private meeting, Witkoff described the plan as a collaborative effort with Israel, emphasizing Gaza's reconstruction as a pathway to peace. But Hamas fired back, vowing to keep its weapons until an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital is established. 🏳️
Humanitarian Crisis Looms
The talks come as Gaza's 2.2 million residents face worsening hunger and infrastructure collapse. International pressure is mounting on Israel, with Western nations like France and Saudi Arabia backing a two-state solution that would require Hamas to surrender arms to the Palestinian Authority. 🌍
Ceasefire Stalemate
Recent indirect negotiations for a 60-day truce and hostage release collapsed last week. Meanwhile, mediators Qatar and Egypt endorsed a roadmap linking Gaza's future to broader Palestinian statehood—a move gaining traction among global powers. 🔄
Will this plan break the cycle of violence? Stay tuned as diplomats race against time. ⏳
Reference(s):
cgtn.com