US envoy urges Israel to maintain Gaza ceasefire ahead of delayed visit

Steve Witkoff, the US Middle East envoy, has demanded Israel uphold its ceasefire with Hamas until his arrival in the region. Witkoff’s trip, repeatedly postponed, is now expected next week, according to Israel’s Yediot Ahronot.  

The report stated, “Witkoff stressed that Israel must maintain the ceasefire in Gaza until he arrives in the region – even if Hamas refuses to release the hostages.”  

While Israel seeks to extend the first phase of the agreement until mid-April, Hamas is pushing for a shift to the second phase, which includes a permanent cessation of hostilities.

Meanwhile, Israel has intensified pressure by threatening to resume military operations and cutting off essential supplies to Gaza, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the war-torn enclave.