U.S. Envoy Steve Witkoff & Amb. Mike Huckabee Arrives in Israel Amid Escalating Gaza Humanitarian Crisis
U.S. Envoy Arrives in Israel Amid Escalating Gaza Humanitarian Crisis
U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, arrived in Israel on Thursday to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where the death toll among Palestinians seeking aid continues to rise. According to the White House, Witkoff and U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee are scheduled to inspect food distribution efforts in Gaza on Friday.
The Gaza Health Ministry reported that at least 91 Palestinians were killed and over 600 injured in the past 24 hours while trying to access humanitarian aid. Among the casualties were 54 people killed near the Zikim crossing in northern Gaza on Wednesday while waiting for food. Officials warned the toll could climb further, as many victims were taken to isolated and poorly equipped hospitals in the region and have yet to be fully accounted for.
The Israeli military acknowledged that it fired warning shots when aid trucks were surrounded but claimed no injuries were reported from their actions. A security official, speaking anonymously, said the gunfire appeared to come from within the crowd during clashes among Palestinians scrambling for supplies.
Chaos Over Airdropped Aid
Desperation unfolded again Thursday in central Gaza’s Zawaida, where air-dropped food sparked a frantic scramble. With border crossings closed, aid agencies have turned to aerial drops, which have led to stampedes as starving civilians fight over the limited supplies.
Eslam al-Telbany, a displaced woman from Jabalia, described how she was attacked while carrying cooking oil and flour, eventually forced to abandon the aid and return home empty-handed. “My children prayed I’d bring back food. They haven’t eaten or drunk anything for two days,” she said through tears.
Ahmed al-Khatib lost a bag of flour in the melee and broke a tooth in the process. Another displaced woman, Rana Attia, said airdrops were degrading and chaotic, urging a return to organized, dignified aid distribution. “We don’t want to chase falling packages under the burning sun,” she said.
Aid Deliveries Still Far Below Need
Despite ongoing efforts, aid delivery into Gaza remains insufficient. While Israel reported that 270 aid trucks entered Gaza on Wednesday and 32 pallets were dropped by air, the daily need is estimated at 500–600 trucks.
International criticism of Israel’s handling of the crisis has intensified. Aid groups warn that Gaza, already teetering on the brink of famine for years, is now experiencing the “worst-case scenario” due to a prolonged blockade over the past two and a half months.
Allies Increase Pressure on Israel
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul also arrived in Israel on Thursday for talks that will include a visit to the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Traditionally a close ally, Germany has joined growing calls for Israel to allow more aid into Gaza and to agree to a ceasefire.
While Berlin has not aligned with France, the U.K., and Canada in promising recognition of a Palestinian state in September, Wadephul emphasized Germany’s support for a two-state solution. “Recognition must come at the end of a process—but that process must begin now,” he said.
U.S. Diplomatic Push and Political Messaging
Envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss both humanitarian access and the prospects for a ceasefire. This will be their first discussion since Israeli and U.S. negotiators left Qatar last week, with Witkoff previously accusing Hamas of lacking willingness to reach a truce.
On Thursday, Trump reiterated his hardline stance, posting on Truth Social: “The fastest way to end the Humanitarian Crises in Gaza is for Hamas to SURRENDER AND RELEASE THE HOSTAGES!!!”
The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a deadly attack on southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and abducting 251. Around 50 hostages remain in captivity, including approximately 20 believed to be alive. Others have been released through prior agreements.
Israel’s ongoing offensive in Gaza has killed over 60,000 people, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which operates under the Hamas-run government. Although the ministry doesn’t distinguish between civilians and militants, the United Nations and other international agencies consider its data to be the most reliable available.
