Whitkoff: Hamas open to disarming amid efforts to end Gaza War

The U.S. Middle East envoy stated that Hamas is open to disarming, while Netanyahu remains committed to ending the war, amid ongoing efforts to facilitate humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza.

2 August, 2025 19:17

NEWS DESK

U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Whitkoff stated that Hamas is open to relinquishing its weapons, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains committed to ending the conflict. Whitkoff emphasized the need for “all or nothing” negotiations aimed at securing the release of all hostages and concluding the war, rejecting partial agreements.

He also highlighted ongoing joint efforts by the U.S. and Israel to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid, including food and medicine, into Gaza. Whitkoff acknowledged challenges and shortages but denied any deliberate starvation, stressing that overcoming misinformation from Hamas is key to advancing peace talks.

On Friday, Whitkoff visited a food distribution center in Rafah, Gaza, and met Netanyahu to push forward ceasefire negotiations and address the worsening humanitarian crisis, amid warnings from global hunger monitors of a looming famine.

ANHA