US Envoy Discusses Gaza's Future Amid Worsening Humanitarian Crisis

US Special Envoy Witkowsky met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday to discuss the future of the war in Gaza, as international pressure mounts to alleviate the humanitarian disaster in the besieged territory. This visit comes as the humanitarian situation in Gaza is deteriorating rapidly, with warnings of widespread famine and malnutrition. A US official stated that this is the envoy's first visit to Israel since May, and he will discuss with Israeli officials "next steps to resolve the situation in Gaza." The visit follows the collapse of ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas last week, amid international criticism of Israel over the worsening famine in Gaza.

Recognition of Palestinian State Looms Over Crisis

In recent days, several countries, including the UK, France, and Canada, have announced their intention to recognize the Palestinian state before September, a move aimed at pressuring Israel to end the war. Israel has condemned this move, considering it "a reward for Hamas's heinous terrorism," and has repeatedly rejected all calls to end its military offensive in Gaza unless the group surrenders and releases the remaining 50 hostages it kidnapped during its attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

Stalled Negotiations and Increasing Demands

Sources familiar with the negotiations reported that an agreement aimed at a 60-day truce and securing the release of approximately half of the hostages (20 of whom are believed to still be alive) seemed close to being achieved before it stalled last week. The United States and Israel withdrew their negotiating teams from Doha, and Witkowsky accused Hamas of "not acting in good faith" when the movement increased its demands for a ceasefire. Hamas demands guarantees that any temporary ceasefire will lead to a permanent end to the war, which Netanyahu refuses to concede before the movement is completely defeated. This hardening of positions complicates the situation and threatens to exacerbate the humanitarian crisis.

International Warnings and Escalating German Tone

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, who was scheduled to visit Israel on Thursday, also warned that Israel is increasingly isolated on the global stage and is "increasingly finding itself in a minority position." Although Germany has not followed France and Britain in announcing plans to recognize the Palestinian state, the German government has become more stern in its tone towards the Netanyahu government. Wadephul said that a peace process leading to a "two-state solution" "must begin immediately" or Germany "will also be forced to respond to unilateral steps."

Anticipated Visit to Gaza and Alternative Plans

According to Israeli media, Witkowsky is also scheduled to visit Gaza during his stay in the region and inspect an aid distribution center run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a controversial Israeli- and US-backed private entity. A source familiar with the Israeli government's thinking stated that Witkowsky's arrival is "a good start" in terms of prospects for resuming ceasefire talks. The source said, "The delegation left Doha because Hamas was playing games, not because there were differences too great to overcome." But Netanyahu's security cabinet also began discussing alternatives this week in case the negotiations completely collapse, including seizing the remaining 25% of Gaza not controlled by the Israeli military, and possibly starting to annex large areas of land. Israeli Defense Minister Katz threatened on Wednesday that "if Hamas does not announce the release of the hostages soon, it will pay a very heavy price."

International Outrage and Aid Crisis

At present, international outrage prevails regarding the situation inside Gaza. A UN-backed food security agency reported this week that famine is "already happening," forcing Netanyahu to reverse policy last weekend and ease restrictions on the entry of aid into the besieged territory. However, international aid groups and local reports state that chaos and insecurity are still prevalent inside the Palestinian territories, with most aid being seized by desperate crowds and armed gangs. The Gaza Ministry of Health said in a statement on Thursday that 111 people had been killed in the sector in the past 24 hours, including 91 who were killed while trying to obtain aid. According to local health officials, this includes dozens of people who were reportedly shot by Israeli forces while gathering near aid trucks in northern Gaza on Wednesday. The Israeli military said that forces near the scene of the incident "fired warning shots in the area and did not target the crowd, in response to the threat they faced," and that it was not aware of any casualties. The military said an investigation is underway.