Trump's Special Envoy Meets with Families of Israeli Hostages; Denies Famine Claims in Gaza

 

Trump's Special Envoy Meets with Families of Israeli Hostages; Denies Famine Claims in Gaza

Steve Whittaker, Donald Trump's special envoy for the Middle East, met with families of Israeli hostages held by the Hamas terrorist group during a visit to Tel Aviv on Saturday, August 1, and stressed the United States' continued support for Israel's efforts to free the hostages.

He also announced during the visit that reports of famine in the Gaza Strip were "part of Hamas propaganda," and said:

"Once this claim is denied, negotiations can resume to end the war and release the hostages."

However, official figures from the Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry indicate a dire humanitarian situation. According to the agency, seven people have died of malnutrition in the past 24 hours alone, one of whom was a child.

Whittaker, who recently traveled to Gaza, also said in remarks widely reported in Israeli and American media:

"Our goal is to end the war, not to expand it. We do not want the flames of war to spread beyond Gaza."