Trump Envoy Witkoff Leads Gaza Ceasefire Push in Rome with Israel and Qatar

In a significant push for peace in the Middle East, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is set to meet with Israeli and Qatari officials in Rome on Thursday. The goal? To hammer out a ceasefire deal for Gaza, where conflict has persisted for nearly two years. The U.S.-backed talks, involving indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel, could be on the cusp of a breakthrough, with reports suggesting a deal might be just days away if progress is made in Rome. If all goes well, Witkoff could head to Doha to seal the agreement.

Earlier this month, Israel gave the green light to a 60-day ceasefire proposal championed by the U.S. This plan isn’t just a pause—it’s a potential game-changer. It includes a phased release of hostages, partial withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, and discussions to end the war once and for all. President Donald Trump, ever the dealmaker, expressed optimism on Truth Social, urging Hamas to accept the terms, warning that their situation will only worsen if they don’t. He’s also hinted at ‘good news’ on Gaza during a recent event, though details remain under wraps.

Beyond a ceasefire, there’s a bigger picture here. If Trump can pull this off, it might pave the way for an expansion of the Abraham Accords—his signature achievement from his first term that normalized ties between Israel and several Arab nations. While specifics on new countries joining the accords are scarce, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has voiced a desire to bring neighbors like Syria and Lebanon into the ‘circle of peace.’

These talks aren’t just about stopping bombs—they’re about reshaping the region’s future. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the clock is ticking.