US Accuses Israel of Prolonging Gaza War

Tensions between Washington and Tel Aviv appear to be rising sharply, as US Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, delivered unusually direct criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, accusing it of unnecessarily extending the war in Gaza without a defined end goal.

Speaking during a meeting with the families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza, Witkoff emphasised the Biden administration’s desire to bring the war to an end and secure the release of captives.

He stated that the continuation of military operations had not produced tangible progress, even months into the conflict.

Witkoff hinted at a genuine opportunity for a new ceasefire agreement that could include a prisoner swap deal. His comments, reported by Israel’s Channel 12, reportedly shocked the hostage families, who had not previously heard such candid criticism from a US official.

The remarks are being seen as a potential shift in Washington’s approach to Israel’s military tactics and a possible sign of a broader reassessment of its stance on the Gaza war.

According to Israeli media, Witkoff is leading a significant diplomatic push, engaging with Hamas, the Israeli government, and key mediators such as Qatar and Egypt.

The goal is to negotiate a de-escalation plan that includes a phased prisoner release and a gradual end to hostilities. Known in Israeli media as the “Witkoff Soft Proposal,” the plan would involve freeing approximately half of the surviving hostages in exchange for a temporary ceasefire, followed by the release of the remaining captives and a phased conclusion to the war.

However, Israeli sources have warned that the military is prepared to launch a large-scale ground operation if no agreement is reached before former President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to the region.

Officials insist that any renewed offensive would not be short-lived and that Hamas will not dictate the terms or timeline of an Israeli withdrawal.

The growing diplomatic friction comes at a critical moment, with international pressure mounting and internal Israeli discontent over the prolonged conflict.