Gaza's Future: U. S. Envoys in Israel for Critical Talks
Key Discussions with Prime Minister Netanyahu
Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, high-level U.S. representatives, recently visited Israel. Their main topic of discussion with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was the future of Gaza.
U.S. Plans for Gaza
The U.S. has ambitious plans to rebuild Gaza completely. The vision includes:
- Tall buildings
- Tech hubs
- Beach resorts
This initiative is part of President Donald Trump's effort to stop the fighting between Israel and Hamas. However, the conflict continues.
Israeli Government's Silence
The Israeli government has not yet commented on these meetings. Meanwhile, Ali Shaath, leader of a U.S.-backed Palestinian group, announced that the Rafah border crossing will open soon. This crossing is the only way in or out of Gaza for most of its 2 million residents.
Israel's Control Over Rafah Crossing
Israel wants to control the flow of people through Rafah. They aim for more people to leave than enter. The crossing was supposed to open earlier under a ceasefire deal from October, but it did not happen.
Casualties in Gaza
Since October 7, 2023, over 71,000 people have died in Gaza. Since the ceasefire in October, 481 more have died.
U.S. Plan for Gaza
The U.S. says the plan is now in its second phase:
- Israel should pull back its troops.
- Hamas should give up control of Gaza.
The Gaza side of the border has been under Israeli control since 2024.
Trump's Warning to Iran
President Trump also warned Iran. He stated that the U.S. has a military fleet ready but hopes not to use it. He told Iran not to hurt protesters or restart its nuclear program.
