US Envoy to Inspect Aid Distribution Amid Gaza Crisis

US President Donald Trump’s special envoy is set to evaluate the distribution of aid in Gaza, as a severe food crisis heightens international calls for a ceasefire. As the humanitarian situation deteriorates, engaging responsibly with the complexities of the crisis is imperative.

Steve Witkoff, who has been deeply involved in the stalled negotiations aimed at securing a ceasefire and the release of hostages, met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shortly after his arrival in Israel yesterday. Following this meeting, Witkoff, accompanied by US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, is scheduled to enter Gaza later today, as confirmed by the White House.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt shared with reporters, “Mr. Witkoff, who visited Gaza back in January, aims to evaluate distribution sites and develop a plan for enhanced food delivery. He will also meet with local Gazans to gain firsthand insight into the dire circumstances on the ground.”

In a poignant reminder of the challenges facing aid efforts in Gaza, the territory’s civil defense agency reported the tragic loss of at least 58 Palestinian lives late Wednesday, as Israeli forces opened fire on a crowd attempting to block an aid convoy. The Israeli military stated that troops had fired “warning shots” as Gazans congregated around the aid vehicles.

“People saw thieves stealing and dropping food, and the hungry crowd rushed in hopes of getting some,” shared Jameel Ashour, who lost a relative in the incident. His words highlight the desperation faced by many in Gaza.

Hostage Situation Overshadowing Crisis

Adding another layer of urgency to the situation, the armed wing of the Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad released a video of German-Israeli hostage Rom Braslavski. In a six-minute clip, Braslavski, speaking in Hebrew, identifies himself and implores the Israeli government for his release while watching news footage of the ongoing crisis.

Braslavski’s family stated, “They managed to break Rom. Even the strongest person has a breaking point,” emphasizing the urgency of addressing the hostage situation. “Rom is emblematic of all the hostages. They must all be brought home now.”

As Witkoff’s team prepares for their visit, it is essential to understand that ongoing indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas have hit a stalemate, with talks in Doha recently collapsing, leading to the recall of delegations from both Israel and the US.

Increased International Pressure

The international community is growing increasingly insistent on a ceasefire to facilitate humanitarian aid to Gaza. Recently, Canada and Portugal declared their plans to recognize a Palestinian state, further intensifying global scrutiny

Trump responded critically to Canada’s stance, asserting on his Truth Social network that the crisis rests with Hamas: “The fastest way to end the humanitarian crises in Gaza is for Hamas to SURRENDER AND RELEASE THE HOSTAGES!!!” However, he has also contradicted Netanyahu’s claims that reports of hunger in Gaza are exaggerated, cautioning about the dire reality of “real starvation.”

Recent reports from UN-backed experts indicate that “famine is now unfolding” in Gaza, with harrowing visuals of malnourished children eliciting widespread outrage.

The Human Cost

The tragic consequences of the ongoing conflict cannot be overstated. Since the outbreak of hostilities in October 2023, the death toll has exceeded 1,219, predominantly civilians. Among the 251 individuals taken hostage, 49 remain unaccounted for, with 27 declared dead by the Israeli military.

Israeli military actions have claimed at least 60,249 Palestinian lives, largely comprising civilians, per data from Hamas-run Gaza’s health ministry. Just this week, UN aid agencies have reported that deaths from starvation have begun. The civil defense agency also indicated that Israeli strikes across Gaza resulted in the deaths of at least 32 individuals on Thursday.

“Enough!” exclaimed Najah Aish Umm Fadi, who mourned the recent loss of relatives in an attack on a displaced persons camp. “We have endured hunger, but now the death of newborns?”

Farther north, Amir Zaqot expressed his frustration after witnessing desperate individuals clamor over airdropped aid: “This is what death looks like. People are fighting each other with knives.” He continued, “If the crossings were opened, food could reach us. But this is nonsense,” in reference to the limited airdrop efforts.

Media restrictions in Gaza, along with access difficulties, prevent independent verification of casualty figures and details provided by local authorities and organizations.

“The humanitarian needs have reached an urgent level,” said Leavitt, stressing the necessity of an actionable response as the situation continues to deteriorate.

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.