"Trump envoy Steve Witkoff tours perilous Gaza aid zone"

Steve Witkoff, Trump’s Envoy, Visits Gaza Amid Food Distribution Controversy

Donald Trump’s representative, Steve Witkoff, toured Gaza and was shown one of the disputed food distribution sites where Israeli forces have killed hundreds of Palestinians seeking aid.

Witkoff, the U.S. special envoy for the Middle East, had met earlier with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as global concern grows over severe starvation in Gaza following months of Israeli restrictions on humanitarian assistance.

Witkoff’s visit to the site in Rafah—his first reported by several Israeli outlets—comes despite his background as a former real estate lawyer with no prior diplomatic or humanitarian experience. He has also previously engaged with Vladimir Putin on Trump’s behalf.

Human Rights Watch condemned the Israeli and U.S.-supported Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’s operations, calling the aid sites "death traps" where frequent violence occurs. According to the UN, nearly 900 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces near these locations.

Belkis Wille of Human Rights Watch stated, “Israeli forces, supported by the U.S., and private contractors have established a flawed, militarized aid system, turning aid distributions into regular massacres.” She added, “Not only are Palestinians being deliberately starved, but they are also being shot at almost daily while searching for food.”

The UN reported 1,353 Palestinian deaths near aid points—859 at GHF sites and another 514 along UN convoy routes. A UN spokesperson said Israeli policies have created extreme desperation, leading to aid trucks being overwhelmed before reaching warehouses.

Olga Cherevko, from the UN’s humanitarian office, noted widespread hunger has forced people to unload aid trucks directly. “Relief efforts will only succeed with consistent, sustained aid flows over time,” she said.

While some nations have resumed aid airdrops, experts warn the quantities delivered are inadequate to prevent famine. Meanwhile, Israeli officials suggested military operations could expand if hostage negotiations with Hamas stall.

Humanitarian organizations confirm Gaza faces famine after Israel blocked food supplies for over two months.