Witkoff says he's 'very optimistic' of Israel-Gaza peace
Photo: US Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff (Getty Images)
US Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff says he is ‘very optimistic’ about Washington’s peace plan to end the Gaza war, according to his interview with Fox News.
According to Witkoff, the American initiative enjoys broad international support.
"We have so much widespread support from all of the Gulf Coast Arab countries, we have widespread support from the Europeans," the US Special Presidential Envoy noted, emphasizing that many countries have already agreed to the plan.
At the same time, Witkoff acknowledged that some details still need to be finalized. In his view, parties unwilling to compromise can expect pressure from US President Donald Trump.
"Everyone's going to be pushed by him, and I think we're going to get to the finish line," the US Special Presidential Envoy said.
Gaza peace plan
The US has prepared a new peace plan aimed at ending Israel’s war with Hamas militants. The document consists of 20 points and envisions the creation of an international Peace Council to be headed by the US President and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.
According to the plan, the Gaza Strip must be transformed into a "deradicalized terror-free zone that does not pose a threat to its neighbors."
In addition, within 72 hours of signing the agreement, Hamas must return all living hostages as well as the bodies of the deceased.
In return, Israel must release 250 militants serving life sentences and another 1,700 detained residents of Gaza.
News of the new plan first emerged last week, when US President Donald Trump initially presented it to Arab leaders.
US Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff said he expects a "breakthrough" on establishing peace in Gaza.
