One of Donald Trump’s main messages during his presidential campaign was that he would take the reins of the war and put an end to the conflict.
The US president said in the beginning of February that the United States “would take control” of the Gaza Strip and carry out its reconstruction, transforming it into the “Riviera del Middle East.”
Trump stressed the need to displace the Gazaties outside the enclave to achieve this goal.
Also, American media reported that President Donald Trump would designate Steve Witkoff, his special envoy for the Middle East, as the key figure in the diplomatic efforts of his administration related to Iran.
War context in Gaza
The conflict between Israel and Hamas He intensified after the attack of the Palestinian Islamist group October 7, 2023which left hundreds of dead and caused an Israeli military offensive in the Gaza Strip.
In response, Israel launched massive bombings and a land incursion, increasing the humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian enclave.
Since the beginning of the war, thousands of civilians have died and millions have been displaced, which has generated international convictions and called to a High durable fire.
However, negotiations have been complicated, since Israel insists on eliminating the presence of Hamas in Gazawhile the group demands the end of attacks and the release of Palestinian prisoners.
Objective of Steve Witkoff’s visit
In an interview with CNN, Witkoff explained that his mission is to guarantee more time for the implementation of phase one and prepare the path to phase two.
“We have to get an extension of phase one, so I will go to the region this week, probably on Wednesday, to negotiate that,” Witkoff said.
The American diplomat emphasized the importance of completing the next stage of the process to achieve the Liberation of more hostages retained by Hamas.
Who is Steve Witkoff, the real estate agent that Trump sends to negotiate peace in Ukraine
The New York real estate promoter and old friend of the president, Donald Trump,
He has participated in negotiations in the Middle East and Russia. Steve Witkoff had no diplomatic experience … pic.twitter.com/jmlljugdnl– Spanish DW (@DW_ESPANOL) Februry 20, 2025
Tensions in the peace process
The agreement between Israel and Hamas is at a critical moment. The Palestinian Islamist group accused Israel on Sunday to hinder the Liberation of Palestinian prisonerswhich could put the truce at risk.
For its part, the Israeli government has demanded that any future liberation of hostages by Hamas be carried out “Without humiliating ceremonies”a condition that adds uncertainty to negotiations.
Gaza’s future and Israel’s position
The continuation of cease-fire is in doubt, since the first phase of the agreement ends the March 1 and the terms of the second phase have not yet been defined.
About the position of Benjamin NetanyahuWitkoff said that Israeli prime minister is determined to recover hostages and protect Israel. However, it established a “Red line” clear:
“Hamas should not have any role in the future Gaza government.”
An agreement in danger
The negotiations led by Witkoff will be key to avoid the collapse of the peace agreement and guarantee the continuity of the high fire in the region.
The international community closely follows events, while tensions between Israel and Hamas threaten to destabilize the area again.