Israel Surprised by U.S. Shift on Gaza and Hamas, Report
Occupied Palestine (Quds News Network)- Israeli officials are reportedly surprised by recent statements from U.S. envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff. In an interview with Tucker Carlson, Witkoff suggested that Washington no longer shares Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s views on the conflict, negotiations, and Qatar’s role in the region.
According to sources cited by Yedioth Ahronoth, Israel was surprised by the messages Witkoff conveyed in his remarks. His statements signaled a shift in the U.S. position, which no longer fully aligns with Netanyahu’s stance on military assaults and diplomatic efforts.
Witkoff also spoke about Hamas, saying the movement is not as ideologically extreme as often portrayed. “We need to understand what Hamas wants and think about what we can offer them to make them leave,” he said. He stated that Hamas is not as ideologically extreme as often portrayed.
Israeli sources expressed surprise that Trump, despite his current support for Israel, might later push for a ceasefire. There is also concern that Hamas will not drop its demand to end the war, even under heavy military pressure.
According to Israeli newspaper Haaretz on Thursday, the army said the death toll of around 71,000 killed in Gaza is largely correct, adding that it did not include those missing and buried under the rubble.
On Thursday, Israeli media reported that Israeli military sources recommended reducing the volume of humanitarian aid trucks entering Gaza from 600 to around 200 per day, claiming evaluations show that the Palestinian enclave only requires 200 trucks per day.