US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Ambassador Mike Huckabee to enter Gaza on Trump’s orders to inspect aid delivery, hear directly from residents, and craft a fast-track humanitarian relief plan.
Washington/Jerusalem — In a high-profile move to address Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee will enter the war-torn enclave Wednesday on a mission ordered by President Donald Trump to break the deadlock over aid delivery.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the unprecedented visit at Tuesday’s press briefing, revealing that the two senior officials will “see the situation on the ground with their own eyes” and design a new, rapid-response plan to get food and humanitarian aid to those most in need.
“President Trump is a humanitarian with a big heart,” Leavitt said. “That’s why he sent Special Envoy Witkoff to the region in an effort to save lives and end this crisis.”
The pair met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and top officials earlier in the day, discussing ways to overcome logistical barriers to aid distribution. Their Gaza visit will include inspections of current aid distribution points, consultations with local Gazans, and the drafting of a final, White House-approved relief plan — expected to be greenlit by Trump immediately upon their return.
On Truth Social, Trump reiterated his position:
“The fastest way to end the Humanitarian Crises in Gaza is for Hamas to SURRENDER AND RELEASE THE HOSTAGES!!!”
Ambassador Huckabee praised the President’s blunt approach, adding in his trademark folksy style:
“He nails it. In ‘Southern-speak,’ he tells how the cow eats the cabbage! Thanks Mr. President!”
Trump has previously pushed back against claims that starvation is not an issue in Gaza, saying televised images of “very hungry children” tell a different story — despite significant amounts of US funding and aid already committed.
The White House says more details will follow once the Witkoff-Huckabee humanitarian plan is finalized and approved by the President.
