Steve Witkoff’s Diplomatic Mission

President Donald Trump’s envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, announced his plans on Sunday to negotiate an “extension” of Phase One of the ongoing Israel-Hamas hostage release and ceasefire agreement as he prepares to return to the region this week. During an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Witkoff detailed his intentions to engage with regional leaders to facilitate further discussions and advance the terms of the agreement.

“We have to get an extension of Phase One. And so I’ll be going into the region this week, probably Wednesday, to negotiate that,” Witkoff stated. He expressed hope that this phase could be extended to allow more time to finalize negotiations for Phase Two, which aims to secure the release of additional hostages and provide a path forward for lasting peace.

Israeli Government’s Position on Ceasefire

Witkoff’s discussions come on the heels of a meeting with Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, a close ally of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. When questioned by CNN’s Jake Tapper about Netanyahu’s intentions concerning the ceasefire, Witkoff asserted that the Prime Minister is “well-motivated” and prioritizes the release of hostages while ensuring the protection of Israel.

“And so he’s got a red line,” Witkoff explained, asserting that Netanyahu has made it clear Hamas must not be involved in any governing body when the situation is resolved. “They can’t be any part of governance in Gaza,” he added.

Witkoff’s Upcoming Regional Visit

In an interview on CBS’s “Face the Nation,” Witkoff confirmed that he would be visiting multiple countries, including Qatar, Egypt, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, in a diplomatic tour beginning Wednesday evening. A top priority for Witkoff during this mission is the safe return of the last American hostage, Edan Alexander.

“He’s front and center for us,” Witkoff emphasized, noting that President Trump has made the recovery of American hostages a significant goal. Witkoff expressed confidence in successfully bringing Edan Alexander home.

Clarification on Phase Two Terms

In a recent protocol agreement established on May 27, Witkoff outlined that Phase Two entails securing “a permanent ceasefire, a cessation of all violence,” and the stipulation that Hamas cannot return to the Gazan government. “And I think the way you square that circle is that Hamas has to go. They’ve got to leave,” he remarked, hinting that discussions are ongoing regarding potential relocation plans for individuals from Gaza as part of a long-term strategy. Witkoff emphasized that Gaza may remain unsafe for a substantial period, potentially 15 to 20 years, necessitating comprehensive reconstruction efforts.

Israel’s Response to Hamas Violations

In light of Hamas’s recent actions and violations of agreements, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office declared on Saturday night that they would delay the release of Palestinian prisoners planned for the previous day. This decision arises from the “humiliating ceremonies” orchestrated by Hamas using hostages for propaganda and their failure to honor agreements regarding the treatment of hostages.

Netanyahu publicly condemned Hamas’s brutal treatment of hostages, particularly the case of two boys whose bodies were returned without the remains of their mother, Shiri Bibas. The handling of these remains has drawn outrage, with Netanyahu asserting it was a “brazen violation of their agreement.”

Recent Developments and Future Outlook

In the latest developments, Hamas transferred six more hostages to Israeli authorities, marking the most recent phase of negotiations aimed at resolving the hostage situation. With Witkoff’s diplomatic efforts ramping up this week, the hope remains that extended negotiations may yield further progress in alleviating tensions and securing more releases.

The intensity of the situation underscores the complexities of peace talks in the region. As Witkoff engages with leaders across the Middle East, the world watches closely, hoping for a breakthrough that could lead to a lasting resolution.