optimistic outlook
Witkoff says phase two of the hostage-release deal has ‘a real chance of success’
Speaking to former Trump advisor Jared Kushner at the FII Institute summit, Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff said difficulties remain in removing Hamas from power in order to end the war
CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images
Special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff speaks during the FII Priority Summit in Miami Beach, Florida, on February 20, 2025.
Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, acknowledged on Thursday that advancing the second phase of the Israel-Hamas cease-fire and hostage-release deal was proving to be “more difficult” than phase one because of Israel’s need to ensure that...