Steve Weitkoff, envoy of U.S. President Donald Trump, visited the Gaza Strip yesterday as part of efforts to coordinate a new humanitarian aid plan for the region suffering from the effects of the ongoing war. Weitkoff, accompanied by U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, inspected a center run by the "Gaza Humanitarian Foundation" in the city of Rafah, which is considered one of the partners responsible for casualties during aid distribution operations, according to the United Nations.

Sources indicated that the visit comes in the context of an attempt to establish a new plan for providing food and medical aid to the residents of Gaza, amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis and escalating tensions on the ground. Weitkoff confirmed via the "X" platform that the goal of the visit is to give the Trump administration a clear understanding of the humanitarian situation and to help formulate an effective plan for delivering aid to those in need.

In a related context, the Israeli army has reduced its forces in the sector, withdrawing the 98th Division from northern Gaza after the completion of its mission, a move that comes after weeks of tensions and indirect negotiations regarding a ceasefire and prisoner exchange. This action occurs amid stalled negotiations and clashes between the army and the far-right current in the Israeli government, which strongly opposes any reduction in military operations.

In a related context, a source from Hamas conveyed to the "Middle East" newspaper that mediators relayed Israel's oral response, which was described as unencouraging, reflecting the complexities of the situation on the ground and the continuation of military and political escalation.