U.S. Envoy Prepares for Critical Middle East Peace Talks

U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff may travel to the Middle East to aid peace negotiations if talks on the Gaza ceasefire progress. An Israeli delegation is set to meet in Doha or Cairo. Delays have occurred due to diplomatic efforts related to Russia and Ukraine. The ceasefire faces potential collapse if no progress is made.

U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff's potential weekend trip to the Middle East hinges on successful negotiations over the ongoing Gaza ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, as reported by Axios's Barak Ravid.

Witkoff highlighted during an American Jewish Congress event that an Israeli delegation plans to travel to Doha or Cairo shortly to discuss the next stage in negotiations. Both Qatar and Egypt are serving as mediators. Witkoff mentioned, 'If it goes well I might travel to the region on Sunday,' according to Ravid.

Ravid also noted that Witkoff postponed a Middle East visit by a few days due to U.S. diplomatic priorities involving Russia and Ukraine. The first phase of a three-stage ceasefire began on January 19. The truce has led to the release of some hostages, but further agreement requires reaching a deal by Friday. Without progress, armed conflict might resume, or the current stalemate could persist, impacting humanitarian aid deliveries.

(With inputs from agencies.)