Trump's envoys visit Gaza amid escalating humanitarian crisis

In a bid to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, along with U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, are scheduled to visit an aid distribution site in Gaza today. This visit comes amid increasing global concern regarding the hunger crisis faced by the Gazans. Witkoff and Huckabee's mission involves inspecting current distribution sites and formulating a plan to deliver additional food aid while engaging with local residents to understand their needs. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt mentioned that following the visit, the two envoys will debrief President Trump to finalize a strategy for aid distribution. This initiative aligns with remarks made by President Trump who hinted at a new plan to establish food centers accessible to the public without restrictions, following a recent meeting with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The urgency in addressing Gaza's humanitarian needs has intensified as the U.S. administration continues to support the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which recently took over aid distribution in the region amidst significant controversy. The GHF, backed by the Trump administration, was established following an 11-week Israeli blockade on supplies entering Gaza. Despite international critiques and calls from over 160 charitable organizations to disband the GHF due to accusations of mishandling aid, the U.S. has reaffirmed its support, pledging $30 million to aid GHF's efforts to ensure assistance does not benefit Hamas. There are currently only four distribution centers operating under the GHF, but the administration plans to scale operations. Prior to this visit, Witkoff met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss potential steps toward resolving the conflict, including considerations for a ceasefire and increased aid flow to Gaza.