US Envoy Meets Israeli Hostage Families Amid Gaza Humanitarian Crisis

U.S. Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff met with families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza during a visit to Hostage Square in Tel Aviv, reaffirming ongoing efforts by him and President Donald Trump to secure the release of the remaining captives. Witkoff emphasized that a majority of both Israelis and Gazans want the hostages returned, linking their release to broader goals of Gaza's rehabilitation. The visit followed his inspection of a U.S.-backed aid station in Gaza operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which delivers over one million meals daily but faces criticism amid allegations of inadequate humanitarian relief and a high death toll among Palestinians seeking aid. Witkoff's engagement comes amid stalled ceasefire talks mediated by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu under domestic and international pressure to find alternative solutions for hostage release and humanitarian access. Despite these efforts, families expressed frustration after meetings, feeling left with more questions than answers about the path forward. Demonstrators in Tel Aviv highlighted the plight of the captives by setting up a symbolic barbed wire camp during Witkoff's visit.