Trump’s Envoy Arrives in Israel as Gaza Criticism Mounts

Steve Witkoff, envoy of U.S. President Donald Trump, arrived in Israel on Thursday, July 30, to address Gaza’s worsening crisis.

The visit follows nearly 22 months of war and widespread hunger across Gaza’s civilian population.

According to Gaza’s civil defence, Israeli troops shot at civilians near an aid convoy on Wednesday night.

That deadly incident left at least 58 people dead and dozens wounded, sparking fresh global outrage.

The Israeli military admitted to firing warning shots but claimed it had no record of casualties.

However, an AFP reporter later saw several bodies riddled with bullets at al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza.

Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos as the crowd tried to block the convoy.

Jameel Ashour, who lost a relative in the shooting, shared his story outside the crowded morgue.

He said the crowd surged forward when looters dropped stolen aid while fleeing.

“People rushed, hoping to grab food from the ground,” he told reporters, anger written across his face.

Thousands had gathered to stop the convoy before it reached World Central Kitchen and WFP warehouses in Gaza City.

The trucks had entered through the Zikim military checkpoint in northern Gaza.

Meanwhile, negotiations for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas remain stalled.

Witkoff plans to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss humanitarian corridors and future security steps.

He may also visit a U.S.-supported relief group currently distributing aid in Gaza, Israeli media reports said.

Israel and the U.S. pulled out of recent peace talks in Doha, halting any progress toward a temporary ceasefire.

UN agencies say Gaza now faces full-blown famine, with images of starving children sparking worldwide fury.

Earlier this week, Trump warned about real starvation looming in Gaza, urging more humanitarian aid deliveries.

His comments directly opposed Netanyahu, who claimed reports of hunger were exaggerated.

Trump’s statement also hinted at growing MAGA-base dissatisfaction with Israel’s ongoing assault.

On Wednesday, July 30, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced support for recognising a Palestinian state.

France and the United Kingdom are also backing that direction amid escalating violence.

Israel dismissed Canada’s stance as a politically distorted move influenced by global pressure.

Separately, Gerany’s envoy Johann Wadephul was scheduled to meet Israeli officials over the rising death toll.

Even Trump warned that Canada’s stance could impact trade talks with the United States.

Civil defence authorities reported another 32 people killed in separate Israeli attacks across Gaza on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Hamas’ health ministry urged civilians not to loot a medical aid convoy, clarifying it carried no food.

Medical centres, already under pressure, desperately need the supplies to treat wounded civilians.

So far, 60,249 Palestinians have died since Israel launched its offensive in response to Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack.

That attack killed 1,219 Israelis and led to the abduction of 251 others.

Of those kidnapped, 49 remain in Gaza, with 27 declared dead.

Although media access remains limited, global concern over the humanitarian crisis continues to rise.

AFP.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook