Washington’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, has reportedly expressed rare public criticism of Israel’s military strategy in Gaza, urging a shift toward securing a new ceasefire and hostage release deal, Channel 12 reports. In a meeting with families of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, Witkoff reportedly said, “The U.S. wants to return the hostages, but Israel is not ready to end the war.” According to attendees, he added that Washington no longer sees a clear path to further military gains and believes a diplomatic agreement is now the most viable path forward. “Israel is prolonging the war, even though we do not see where further progress can be made,” Witkoff said, according to Channel 12 sources.
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