US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff visited a US-backed aid distribution site in Gaza on Friday, amid controversy over the enclave’s dire humanitarian situation. The visit came after US President Donald Trump said there was “real starvation” in Gaza, contradicting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s claims.
Witkoff spent five hours in Gaza to better understand the humanitarian crisis and relay it to Trump. Along with Ambassador Mike Huckabee, he visited an aid distribution site operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). However, the GHF has been criticized for failing to improve conditions despite receiving over 100 million meals since its launch.
The UN refused to participate in the new scheme, citing humanitarian principles. The Israeli military has fired on Palestinians trying to reach the aid sites, with hundreds killed or injured in recent weeks. A senior Hamas official condemned Witkoff’s trip as a “photo opportunity,” saying Gaza is not an animal farm that requires a personal visit.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it fired warning shots to prevent a group from advancing on troops, but denied any casualties resulted from its fire. Witnesses described chaotic scenes at the aid sites, with people battling each other and bodies scattered everywhere. The US Embassy later stated it had not received reports of clashes or injuries.
Witkoff’s visit followed his second trip to Israel in two weeks, where he pulled US delegates out of Gaza ceasefire talks due to Hamas’ alleged bad faith negotiations. A new understanding is forming between Israel and the US on Gaza, with a focus on releasing all hostages, disarmament, and demilitarization, alongside increased humanitarian aid.
Hamas remains committed to negotiations toward a permanent ceasefire and withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, provided the humanitarian crisis improves significantly.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/08/01/middleeast/steve-witkoff-gaza-aid-center-intl-hnk