Trump's envoy in Israel
US special envoy Steve Witkoff met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday in a bid to salvage Gaza truce talks and tackle a humanitarian crisis in the enclave, where a global hunger monitor has warned that famine is unfolding.
Shortly after Witkoff's arrival, President Donald Trump posted on his Truth Social network: "The fastest way to end the Humanitarian Crises in Gaza is for Hamas to SURRENDER AND RELEASE THE HOSTAGES!!"
The US State Department also announced sanctions on officials of the Palestinian Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organization, saying the groups were undermining peace efforts.
It was Washington's latest apparent diplomatic shift backing Israel against the Palestinians and diverging from its European allies.
The PA and PLO, rivals of the Hamas fighters that control Gaza, are internationally accepted as the representatives of the Palestinian people and administrators of a Palestinian state that France, Britain and Canada have said in recent days they could soon recognise as independent.
A spokesperson for the Palestinian Authority did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The full impact of the US move was not immediately clear: the State Department said targeted individuals would be barred from travelling to the United States but did not identify those targeted.
Witkoff arrived in Israel with Netanyahu's government facing mounting international pressure over the widespread destruction of Gaza and constraints on aid in the territory. He will travel to Gaza on Friday to inspect food aid delivery as he works on a final plan to speed deliveries to the enclave, the White House said.
"The Special Envoy and the ambassador will brief the President immediately after their visit to approve a final plan for food and aid distribution into the region," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters.
Indirect ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas in Doha ended in deadlock last week with the sides trading blame for the impasse and gaps lingering over issues including the extent of an Israeli military withdrawal
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Israeli far-right minister renews calls for Gaza occupation
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Business Recorder
an hour ago
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According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), these discussions have been described as 'frank' and may pave the way for renewed inspections of Iranian nuclear facilities. He welcomed President Pezeshkian and his high-level delegation to Pakistan and praised the Iranian leadership for 'wisely and bravely responding to aggression' in recent conflicts. 'Pakistan's 240 million people strongly condemned the recent Israeli aggression against Iran,' PM Shehbaz said, praising the courage of the Iranian people and armed forces. He offered prayers for the martyrs and speedy recovery of the injured, while calling the Iranian response a 'remarkable victory led with wisdom.' The reaffirmation of support comes at a time when Iran's nuclear programme remains under international spotlight, particularly following Israeli strikes on nuclear-linked sites and growing pressure from the United States and European allies to conclude a nuclear deal. 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Delays will only increase complications,' he said. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to closer engagement at all levels, political, economic, cultural, and security, and underscored the need for unity within the Muslim world in the face of regional and global challenges. Earlier, PM Shehbaz received President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dr Masoud Pezeshkian, at the Prime Minister's House. Upon his arrival, a guard of honour was presented by a contingent of the Pakistan armed forces, while the national anthems of both countries were played. The Iranian president was introduced to members of the federal cabinet, and Prime Minister Shehbaz also held a brief interaction with the accompanying Iranian delegation. As part of the ceremonial proceedings, President Pezeshkian planted a sapling in the lawn of the PM House. Iran seeks to boost trade to $10bn level Earlier, the Iranian president held a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar in Islamabad. 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The agreements and MoUs included cooperation for plant protection and plant quarantine, joint use of Mirjaveh-Taftan border gate, collaboration in science, technology and innovation, cooperation in information and communications technology, exchange programs for culture, art, tourism, youth, mass media and exports, cooperation in meteorology, climatology and related hazards. MoUs were also signed on maritime safety and firefighting, judicial assistance in criminal matters, a supplemental MoU to an MoU in 2013 related to air services agreement, MoU on recognition of products certification, inspection and testing, tourism cooperation for 2025-27 and a joint ministerial statement on the intent to finalise Free Trade Agreement. A luncheon in honour of the Iranian President was also arranged at the Prime Minister's House, which was attended by senior government officials and diplomats. 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