US President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, has announced plans to travel to the region as part of an inspection team tasked with ensuring compliance with the recently brokered Gaza ceasefire.
Speaking in an interview on Wednesday, Witkoff underscored the critical role of regional cooperation and highlighted the potential for broader peace efforts.
The ceasefire, which came into effect on Sunday, was mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. Qatar and Egypt have since established a communications hub in Cairo aimed at preventing further clashes between Israel and Hamas militants. Witkoff revealed that his inspection team would operate in two key areas: the Netzarim corridor and the Philadelphi corridor.
“I’m actually going to be going over to Israel. I’m going to be part of an inspection team at the Netzarim corridor, and also at the Philadelphi corridor,” Witkoff said.
Netzarim is an east-west strip Israel cleared during the war, limiting Palestinians’ movement between north and south Gaza. Philadelphi is the narrow border strip between Gaza and Egypt.
“That’s where you have outside overseers, sort of making sure that people are safe and people who are entering are not armed and no one has bad motivations,” Witkoff added.
This marks the first public confirmation of US involvement on the ground to help maintain the fragile ceasefire. Witkoff, however, did not specify the other members of the inspection teams.
The envoy also discussed the broader implications of peacebuilding efforts in the region, particularly the potential expansion of the Abraham Accords. These agreements, initiated during Trump’s first term, have already seen Israel normalise relations with several Arab countries, including the United Arab Emirates.
“I think you could get everybody on board in that region. I really do,” Witkoff stated. “There’s a new sense of leadership over there.” He specifically praised Qatar, noting its indispensable role in facilitating the Gaza ceasefire. “Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed’s communication skills with Hamas were indispensable here,” he added.
The US envoy’s involvement and optimism come at a time when diplomatic initiatives are being closely watched for their impact on stabilising the region and advancing peace between Israel and its neighbours.
Melissa Enoch
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