Top American in the United States to the Middle East meets the night before the release of another hostage with the Prime Minister of Israel on Wednesday, aiming to strengthen the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. Go back to their house.
Stephen Witkov, a special envoy, is also expected to inspect the Nechzalim Corrido, a four -mile strip that bises the Gaza joined by American security contractors to handle the return of the evacuated Palestinian. It was done. He will be the highest US officials to visit Gaza for many years for both security concerns and the official non -contact policy of Hamas.
The Israeli staff who had the authority to comment on the public and talked about anonymously was to meet Israel to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyafu and his top assistant after Witkov was discussed in Saudi Arabia and Saudi Arabia. He said he had arrived. Middle East Peace Plan. The Minister of Defense Israel, Israel Kats, was a meeting between Witkov and Netanyafu on Wednesday, according to another Israeli authority on the condition of anonymous discussions on the minister's schedule.
David Menzer, a government spokesman, not discussed whether Witkov had visited the Netzalim Corridor until all meetings on Wednesday ended.
In an interview with Fox News last week, Witkov stated that he was planning to visit both Philadel Ficolido, a border with Egypt, and further south corridors, Because it is close to, the timing will be held to ensure unknown security. The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem and Netanyahu's office did not respond to comments on Wednesday.
Early in the 15 -month war, the Israeli army ordered hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to evacuate in northern Gaza. For a few months, some Israeli soldiers have patroled the Nezarim corridor to prevent Palestinians from returning north.
However, under the conditions of the 42 -day ceasefire agreement that was reached last week, the Israeli army withdrew from two major roads along the Nazalim corridor on Monday, and Gazan would head north. According to the latest data from the United Nations Office to adjust humanitarian issues, more than 376,000 people arrived in North Gaza by Tuesday.
The Safe Reach Solutions in the United States is expected to supervise the operation management of the corridor, according to those who are familiar with the plan, but the other two companies (one American, one Egyptian). Heads the actual inspection of the person heading north.
Philadel Ficolido is a border strip of about 8 miles between Egypt and Gaza, as is known in Israel. The Israeli Army is currently maintaining the region's management, but is expected to withdraw in the second stage of the ceasefire, and details are still in negotiations. Mr. Netanyahu calls the corridor the “lifeline” of Hamas smuggling.
Witkov played an important role in mediation of the first ceasefire contract between Israel and Hamas, and formed a team with the Biden administration, Qatar, and Egypt officials before Trump.
Witkov's visit is prior to the third round of the present on Thursday, the hostage between Israel and Hamas and the prisoners. The Prime Minister's spokesman Omel Dostori, Agam Burger in Israel, and two Israeli civilian, Abel Jeffd and Gaddy Moses, will be released with five Thai citizens on Thursday. I mentioned.
Menzer said that three more hostages would be released on Saturday. Under the ceasefire contract, the 33 Israelites were released in the first step in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. According to Israeli officials, seven have already returned home, and eight of the remaining hostages are no longer alive.
Netanyafu was invited to meet President Trump at the White House on February 4. The Trump administration is trying to mediate a wider Middle East Peace Agreement, including diplomatic normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia. However, the agreement depends greatly on Gaza's future plan.
On Tuesday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio talked to Egypt and the Foreign Minister of Qatar and discussed continuous cooperation in Gaza. According to Rubio's Ruvio, with Rubio, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt, “a post -conflict plan to never govern Gaza or re -threaten Israel”. Included. Hamas is weakened, but the extremist groups survive the war in Gaza and remain the most powerful Palestinian party in the territory.
Mr. Trump also called on Egypt and Jordan to take Palestinians from Gaza and called the reporters last weekend, calling for his territory. It was fully rejected by the two countries, and on Wednesday, the secretary -general of the Palestinian Liberation Organization talked to Abderatti and reconfirmed the dismissal of Egypt on Trump's proposal.
“The method of integrating the ceasefire and providing humanitarian assistance was discussed, supporting the Palestinians staying in their land, emphasizing the absolute rejection of their evacuation,” said the media. Al Shake is considered a potential successor of Palestinian President Muffmood Abbas.
According to two Palestine officials who demanded anonymity to discuss the closing meeting, Witkov also met Riyad, the capital of Saudi Arabia before traveling in Israel. Officials said Prince Faisal Bin Farhan, Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, also attended a meeting.
Adam Rasgon has contributed to the report.
