US and Israel working on plan to end war in Gaza Strip – Witkoff

The American diplomat shared these intentions with the families of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

"We have a very, very good plan that we're working on collectively with the Israeli government, with Prime Minister Netanyahu ... for the reconstruction of Gaza. That effectively means the end of the war," said Special Envoy Steven Witkoff during a meeting with the families of hostages held by the Palestinian group.

Witkoff also noted that Hamas is allegedly willing to lay down arms to end the war. However, the group has repeatedly stated it will not abandon armed resistance unless an "independent, fully sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital" is established.

Last week, another round of indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel on a 60-day pause in hostilities and the release of half the hostages ended without results.

Witkoff also stated during the meeting that Hamas may be willing to demilitarize, a condition reportedly requested by several Arab countries in the region.

However, Hamas has refused to negotiate with Israel until the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip improves.

On August 1, Witkoff and the US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, visited the Gaza Strip to assess the situation and develop a plan for delivering food and medical aid to the enclave’s population.