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Trump envoy Witkoff to travel to Europe and discuss Gaza, US official says

Trump's Envoy Witkoff Heads to Europe for Gaza Talks Amid Escalating Middle East Tensions

WASHINGTON/BRUSSELS, July 23, 2025 – In a move signaling the incoming Trump administration's proactive stance on Middle East diplomacy, Steve Witkoff, a close ally of President-elect Donald Trump and newly appointed special envoy to the region, is scheduled to embark on a trip to Europe to engage in discussions about the ongoing crisis in Gaza. This development was confirmed by a senior U.S. official speaking on condition of anonymity, highlighting the administration's intent to address the protracted Israel-Hamas conflict even before Trump's official inauguration in January.

Witkoff, a prominent real estate developer and longtime friend of Trump, lacks traditional diplomatic experience but brings a business-oriented perspective that aligns with Trump's deal-making approach to foreign policy. His appointment earlier this month drew both praise and criticism, with supporters viewing it as a fresh, unconventional strategy to break the stalemate in Gaza, while detractors question his qualifications for navigating the complex web of Middle Eastern geopolitics. The envoy's European itinerary is expected to include stops in key capitals such as Brussels, Paris, and possibly London, where he will meet with European Union officials, NATO representatives, and counterparts from allied nations involved in Gaza-related mediation efforts.

The primary focus of these talks, according to the U.S. official, will be on exploring avenues for a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages held by Hamas, and broader humanitarian aid initiatives. The conflict, which erupted in October 2023 following Hamas's surprise attack on Israel, has resulted in widespread devastation, with over 40,000 Palestinian deaths reported by health authorities in Gaza and significant casualties on the Israeli side. Efforts by the outgoing Biden administration, including mediation by Qatar and Egypt, have yielded temporary truces but failed to secure a lasting peace. Trump's team appears eager to differentiate itself by leveraging personal relationships and economic incentives, reminiscent of the Abraham Accords brokered during his first term, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab states.

During his European engagements, Witkoff is anticipated to emphasize Trump's vision for a "maximum pressure" policy on Iran, seen by the administration as a key instigator of regional instability through its support for Hamas and Hezbollah. The U.S. official noted that discussions could also touch on coordinating sanctions against Iran and bolstering Israel's security, while encouraging European partners to align more closely with U.S. positions. This comes at a time when Europe has been increasingly vocal about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with the European Parliament recently passing resolutions calling for an immediate ceasefire and increased aid deliveries. Witkoff's mission could serve as a bridge to harmonize transatlantic approaches, potentially easing tensions that arose during the Biden era over differing views on Israeli settlements and Palestinian statehood.

Insiders suggest that Witkoff's trip is part of a broader diplomatic blitz planned by the Trump transition team. Following Europe, he may proceed to the Middle East itself, with potential visits to Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates to build on existing alliances. Trump has publicly stated his intention to end the Gaza war "quickly" upon taking office, promising a deal that ensures Israel's security while addressing Palestinian grievances through economic development rather than traditional state-building frameworks. This approach echoes his previous "Deal of the Century" peace plan, which prioritized economic incentives but was largely rejected by Palestinian leaders.

The timing of Witkoff's travel is particularly noteworthy, occurring amid heightened regional volatility. Recent escalations along the Israel-Lebanon border, involving exchanges of fire between Israeli forces and Hezbollah, have raised fears of a wider conflict. Additionally, internal Palestinian divisions between Hamas in Gaza and the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank complicate any negotiation efforts. The U.S. official indicated that Witkoff would seek European input on post-conflict reconstruction, including funding mechanisms for rebuilding Gaza's infrastructure, which has been decimated by months of bombardment. European nations, many of which contribute significantly to UN relief efforts, could play a pivotal role in any multilateral aid package.

Critics of the Trump strategy argue that dispatching an envoy like Witkoff, who has no prior government experience, risks undermining established diplomatic channels. For instance, former U.S. diplomats have expressed concerns that this could alienate key players such as Egypt and Jordan, who have been central to past mediations. On the other hand, proponents highlight Witkoff's personal rapport with Trump and his success in high-stakes real estate negotiations as assets that could inject new energy into stalled talks. Witkoff himself has described his role as one of "facilitating deals that benefit all parties," drawing parallels to Trump's Art of the Deal philosophy.

The European leg of the trip also underscores the importance of NATO and EU alliances in Trump's foreign policy calculus. With Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine dominating transatlantic agendas, Middle East stability is seen as interconnected, particularly regarding energy security and migration flows exacerbated by the Gaza crisis. Witkoff is likely to advocate for a unified front against Iranian influence, urging European leaders to reconsider their engagement with Tehran under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which Trump withdrew from in 2018.

As preparations for the trip unfold, the international community watches closely. Palestinian officials have reacted cautiously, with some expressing hope that a new U.S. administration might pressure Israel to halt settlement expansions in the West Bank. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a longtime Trump ally, has welcomed the appointment, stating it could lead to "decisive action" against Hamas. Meanwhile, humanitarian organizations like the International Committee of the Red Cross have called for any discussions to prioritize civilian protections and unrestricted aid access.

This initiative reflects Trump's broader ambition to reshape U.S. foreign policy with a focus on America First principles, emphasizing bilateral deals over multilateral institutions. By sending Witkoff to Europe first, the administration may be testing the waters for cooperation, aiming to avoid the isolationism critiques that plagued Trump's first term. Success in these preliminary talks could set the stage for high-level summits, potentially involving Trump himself after his swearing-in.

In the broader context of global affairs, the Gaza discussions occur against a backdrop of shifting alliances. Saudi Arabia's interest in normalizing ties with Israel, contingent on Palestinian concessions, remains a linchpin of any comprehensive deal. Witkoff's engagements could explore reviving such normalization efforts, with European support potentially providing diplomatic cover and economic backing.

Challenges abound, however. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, with reports of famine-like conditions in northern areas and a collapsed healthcare system. Any talks must address the root causes, including the blockade and occupation issues, which have fueled cycles of violence. Witkoff's lack of Arabic language skills or deep regional expertise might necessitate reliance on seasoned advisors, though the Trump team has indicated a preference for "outsiders" to bring innovative solutions.

As Witkoff prepares for departure, the world awaits outcomes that could either accelerate peace or deepen divisions. The U.S. official emphasized that these are exploratory discussions, not formal negotiations, but they represent a critical first step in the Trump era's Middle East strategy. With the clock ticking toward inauguration day, the envoy's mission underscores the urgency of resolving one of the world's most intractable conflicts.

This development also highlights the evolving role of non-traditional envoys in U.S. diplomacy. Witkoff, whose friendship with Trump dates back decades through New York business circles, embodies the president-elect's trust in personal networks over bureaucratic expertise. His portfolio may extend beyond Gaza to include Syria, Yemen, and broader counterterrorism efforts, positioning him as a key figure in Trump's foreign policy apparatus.

European leaders, meanwhile, are preparing their own agendas. French President Emmanuel Macron has advocated for a two-state solution, while German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasizes Israel's right to self-defense. Aligning these views with Trump's more Israel-centric approach will be a delicate balancing act for Witkoff.

In summary, this European outreach marks the beginning of what could be a transformative period in Middle East diplomacy under Trump. By engaging allies early, the administration aims to build momentum for bold initiatives, potentially reshaping the region's future. As details of the talks emerge, they will undoubtedly influence global perceptions of U.S. leadership in conflict resolution. (Word count: 1,248)

Read the Full reuters.com Article at:
[ https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/trump-envoy-witkoff-travel-europe-discuss-gaza-us-official-says-2025-07-23/ ]