The US ambassador to Israel has described the work of a US-backed aid distribution group in Gaza as “incredible” - despite hundreds of Palestinians being killed while seeking food at its sites.
Ambassador Mike Huckabee joined Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff for a visit to aid sites run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which took control of aid distribution in May.
Controversial distribution methods have proven deadly for Palestinians. Since May, at least 1,373 have been killed while seeking aid, including 859 near GHF sites, mostly by the Israeli military, the UN’s humanitarian agency (UNHCR) said.
At least 91 aid-seekers were killed in the last 24 hours ending Thursday, Gaza’s health ministry said.
Mr Huckabee said he “learned the truth” about aid distribution in Gaza, after briefings by the IDF and speaking to “folks on the ground”.
“GHF delivers more than one million meals a day, an incredible feat!” he claimed, referring to GHF figures.
Donald Trump is expected to approve a new Gaza humanitarian aid plan on Friday after the visit, the White House said. It comes after Mr Witkoff and Mr Huckabee met Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday.
The GHF denies responsibility for the deaths at its aid sites, accusing Hamas of “spreading disinformation” by “falsely attributing” casualties to the agency.
Gaza-Israel latest: Key points
- US ambassador to Israel praises 'incredible feat' of GHF aid effort
- Trump calls Netanyahu 'competent' as he wants to 'make sure people get fed'
- Trump envoy Steve Witkoff visits food distribution site in Rafah, Gaza
- Pictures from Gaza Strip shows Palestinians scrambling for aid deliveries
- Nearly 1,400 Palestinians killed while trying to reach aid, says UN
Egypt backs Canada's recognition of Palestine
15:14 , Alex CroftIn a statement released Thursday, Egypt's government called on other countries that have not yet "recognised the State of Palestine to expedite this step, standing on the right side of history."
Canada's prime minister Mark Carney announced on Wednesday that his country will recognise a Palestinian state in September, joining the UK, France and other Western countries in a symbolic statement that is part of a broader global shift against Israel's policies in Gaza.
What is the latest on ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas?
14:54 , Alex CroftIndirect ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas in Doha ended in deadlock last week with the sides trading blame for the impasse.
After Hamas provided amendments to a US proposal that would see a 60-day ceasefire and the release of some hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, Israel sent its response on Wednesday, a source familiar with the details said.
It is unclear what Israel’s stance on the Hamas amendments currently is - and Hamas have yet to comment on its response.
In photos: Satellite images show people gathering for aid delivery in Gaza
14:35 , Alex CroftA comparison of before and after satellite images has shown the large number of crowds of people who surrounded an aid convoy in Khan Younis in Gaza.
The pictures provided by Planet Labs PBC were taken on 26 July.
Germany to respond to any unilateral Israeli moves on Palestinian territories, minister warns
14:14 , Alex CroftGermany has warned it will respond to any unilateral Israeli actions on Palestinian territories, in what marks its strongest signal yet of a potential policy shift amid growing international pressure over the crisis in Gaza.
Foreign minister Johann Wadephul made the remarks ahead of a visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories, describing the trip as a “fact-finding mission” amid escalating concerns over starvation and humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
"In light of open annexation threats from parts of the Israeli government, a growing number of countries - including many in Europe - are now prepared to recognise a Palestinian state even without a prior negotiation process. The region and the Middle East peace process are therefore at a crossroads," Mr Wadephul said.
"That process must begin now. Should unilateral steps be taken, Germany too will be compelled to respond."
Mr Wadephul reaffirmed Germany’s position that a lasting resolution to the Gaza war must come through negotiations leading to a two-state solution, where an independent Palestinian state coexists peacefully alongside Israel.
Top Trump ally hits out at Starmer’s ‘clumsy’ pledge to recognise Palestinian statehood
13:47 , Alex CroftMarco Rubio has lashed out at Sir Keir Starmer, describing the prime minister as “clumsy” over his plan to recognise a Palestinian state in September.
In the strongest condemnation yet from the Trump administration, the US secretary of state said the prime minister was “clumsy” for vowing to recognise Palestine before Hamas releases the remaining hostages taken during the October 7 attacks.
Speaking to Fox News Radio, Mr Rubio said: “The UK is like, well, ‘if Israel doesn’t agree to a ceasefire by September, we’re going to recognise a Palestinian state’.
“So if I’m Hamas, I say, ‘you know what, let’s not allow there to be a ceasefire.’ If Hamas refuses to agree to a ceasefire, it guarantees a Palestinian state will be recognised by all these countries in September.”
Political correspondent Archie Mitchell reports:
Top Trump ally hits out at Starmer’s ‘clumsy’ pledge to recognise Palestine
Medics in Gaza said on Monday they were working to step up screening of young children for severe malnutrition amid fears that hunger is spreading as people flee to new areas.
Aid group International Medical Corps (IMC) and partners are planning to reach more than 200,000 children under five-years-old as part of a "Find and Treat" campaign over coming months, one of its doctors, Munawwar Said, told Reuters by phone.
"With the displacement, communities are settling in new locations that do not have access to clean water, or there is not adequate access to food," he said. "We fear there are more cases being missed."
Over the weekend, families were already coming into an IMC clinic in the central city of Deir al-Balah, opened after the agency said it had to shut down two centres in the southern city of Rafah due to insecurity.
Macron: Aid drops are not enough
13:06 , Alex CroftFrance on Friday started to air-drop 40 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Gaza as it urged Israel to allow full access to the area which it said was slipping into famine.
"Faced with the absolute urgency, we have just conducted a food airdrop operation in Gaza. Thank you to our Jordanian, Emirati, and German partners for their support, and to our military personnel for their commitment," president Emmanuel Macron wrote on social media platform X.
"Airdrops are not enough. Israel must open full humanitarian access to address the risk of famine," he added.
Foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot earlier in the day had told broadcaster franceinfo that France was sending four flights carrying 10 tonnes of humanitarian aid each to Gaza from Jordan.
Germany begins aid drops over Gaza
12:45 , Alex CroftGermany's Bundeswehr armed forces have started dropping aid supplies over Gaza, starting with two Luftwaffe flights carrying almost 14 tonnes of supplies, the defence ministry said on Friday.
"The flights can only make a very small contribution to providing those affected on the ground with the bare essentials," defence minister Boris Pistorius said, adding that he expected Israel to "ensure comprehensive humanitarian supplies" for people in the enclave.
Germany has also pledged to give an additional 5 million euros ($5.70 million) in support to the World Food Programme in Gaza, the foreign office said.
US ambassador to Israel shares photos of Gaza visit
12:23 , Alex CroftThe US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has shared photos of his visit to Gaza with envoy Steve Witkoff, where the pair visited aid distribution sites run by the controversial US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.
“This morning I joined @SEPeaceMissions Steve Witkoff for a visit to Gaza to learn the truth about @GHFUpdates aid sites,” he said.
“We received briefings from @IDF and spoke to folks on the ground. GHF delivers more than one million meals a day, an incredible feat!”
According to figures from the UN’s humanitarian organisation UNHCR, more than 850 Palestinians have been killed while trying to reach aid at GHF sites since May, mostly by Israeli fire. A total of 1,373 have been killed while accessing food across all sites since May.
This morning I joined @SEPeaceMissions Steve Witkoff for a visit to Gaza to learn the truth about @GHFUpdates aid sites. We received briefings from @IDF and spoke to folks on the ground. GHF delivers more than one million meals a day, an incredible feat! pic.twitter.com/GyVK5cwNgZ
— Ambassador Mike Huckabee (@USAmbIsrael) August 1, 2025
In pictures: Starving Gazans search desperately for aid
11:59 , Alex Croft
Portugal considering Palestine recognition, says government
11:39 , Alex CroftPortuguese prime minister Luís Montenegro announced on Thursday that his government is considering recognising the State of Palestine at the UN general assembly in September.
The government said it was "studying recognition of the State of Palestine as part of a process that may take place during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York this September”.
It is preparing to consult with the president and parliament over the possibility soon, it said.
AFP news agency reported Mr Montenegro as saying Portugal intends to recognise Palestine this autumn.
Watch: American nurse’s emotional plea for Trump’s envoy to come and see Gaza devastation with his own eyes
11:17 , Alex CroftWitkoff visit to Gaza likely 'choreographed', says former UN official
10:59 , Alex CroftA former UN humanitarian official has said Steve Witkoff’s visit to Gaza is “likely to be choreographed” but that it is “still an important form of witness”.
Speaking to Al Jazeera, the UN’s former under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator Martin Griffiths said he is “glad” that Mr Witkoff and US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee are on the visit.
“Maybe they will see things that are unexpected. I can’t imagine because we’ve seen so much. But I don’t see it leading to a major change.
“If I was one of the two million Gazans starving to death, this is a day I would like to go to an aid distribution point. There’s slightly less risk probably than any other day.”
Comment | Netanyahu is leading Israel to pariah status – and Starmer can’t stop him
10:40 , Alex CroftBy Benjamin Netanyahu’s standards, there was something almost ritualistic about his reaction to Keir Starmer’s policy shift towards recognising a Palestinian state. There was the tendentious accusation that such a state would be a “reward for monstrous terrorism”; a faint accusation of 1939-style passivity in the face of Nazism, with his reference to the “appeasement” of Hamas; the hollow claim that an independent Palestine would pose a “jihadist” threat to Britain itself.
But, for now, the Israeli prime minister has more pressing worries than the rapidly mounting European discontent at the starvation and mass killing of civilians in Gaza. Because that discontent is apparently shared – at least on some days – by Donald Trump. Netanyahu has already hastily U-turned by agreeing to “humanitarian pauses” and the delivery of at least minimal UN aid to abate a famine he was still insisting just days ago did not exist.
The Independent’s former Jerusalem bureau chief Donald Macintyre writes:
Netanyahu is leading Israel to pariah status – and Starmer can’t stop him
Slovenia becomes first EU country to announce full ban on Israel arms trade
10:17 , Alex CroftSlovenia has declared a full ban on all arms-related trade with Israel, making it the first country in the EU to do in response to the war in Gaza.
The Government confirmed on Thursday evening that it had approved a decision to halt the export, import and transit of weapons and equipment between Slovenia and Israel.
“This decision implements Prime Minister Robert Golob’s repeated commitments, most recently made during the European Council summit in June,” the statement said according to the Wafa news agency.
“He made it clear that if the EU failed to take concrete action by mid-July, Slovenia would act independently.”
The statement continued: “People in Gaza are dying because humanitarian aid is being systematically blocked. They are perishing under rubble, without access to clean water, food, or basic healthcare.
“This is a complete denial of humanitarian assistance and a deliberate obstruction of the bare minimum conditions for survival. In such circumstances, it is the duty of every responsible state to act—even if it means leading the way.”
In pictures: Mourners at funerals of Palestinians killed while trying to reach aid
10:01 , Alex Croft
Nearly 1,400 Palestinians killed while trying to reach aid, says UN
09:45 , Alex CroftSteve Witkoff’s visit to Gaza follows months of near-daily reports of Palestinians being killed by Israeli forces as they tried to reach aid.
The UN’s human rights office (UNHCR) said on Thursday that the number of Palestinians killed while seeking aid has hit 1,373. At least 859 of these deaths were at sites managed by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, whose sites Mr Witkoff is visiting on Friday.
According to the UNHCR, the majority of these deaths were at the hands of the Israeli military. While there are other armed groups in the area, it says they do “not have information indicating their involvement in these killings”
The office added "no information that these Palestinians were directly participating in hostilities or posed any threat to Israeli security forces".
Eight Palestinians killed in Israeli airstrikes, medics say
09:27 , Alex CroftEight Palestinians have been killed in Gaza early on Friday as Israel continued to strike the enclave, ahead of a visit by US envoy Steve Witkoff, medics in the strip said.
Four people were killed and others wounded after tents sheltering displaced families in the Mawasi area, to the west of Khan Younis, medics added according to Palestinian news agency Wafa.
Another four were killed in central Gaza, where an Israeli airstrike hit the city of Deir al-Balah.
Steve Witkoff visits food distribution site in Rafah, Gaza
09:10 , Alex CroftUS envoy Steve Witkoff has arrived in Gaza, where he is reportedly visiting a food aid distribution site in Rafah, in the south of the strip.
He is due to be inspecting distribution sites of the controversial US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, where hundreds of Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire as they tried to reach aid.
The White House’s press secretary Karoline Leavitt said they will “secure a plan to deliver more food and meet with local Gazans to hear first-hand about this dire situation on the ground”.
Washington is preparing to roll out a new plan to boost aid in the strip following the visit.
False alarm prompts interceptor missile fired by Israel
09:00 , Alex CroftWe can bring you more on the earlier news that alarm sirens were sounding in southern Israel near the Gaza Strip on Friday morning.
The Israeli military have confirmed it was a false alarm.
An interceptor missile was launched towards a suspected threat after the alarm set off but no threat has been detected, it said.
What is the latest on ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas?
08:54 , Alex CroftIndirect ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas in Doha ended in deadlock last week with the sides trading blame for the impasse.
After Hamas provided amendments to a US proposal that would see a 60-day ceasefire and the release of some hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, Israel sent its response on Wednesday, a source familiar with the details said.
It is unclear what Israel’s stance on the Hamas amendments currently is - and Hamas have yet to comment on its response.
Witkoff arrives at Gaza aid site - report
08:43 , Alex CroftUS envoy Steve Witkoff has arrived at the aid distribution site of a controversial US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, according to CNN.
It comes after he held a "very productive" meeting with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and senior officials to discuss urgent humanitarian assistance for Gaza, alongside US ambassador Mike Huckabee.
Alarm sounds in Israeli communities near Gaza, Israel says
08:29 , Alex CroftWarning sirens sounded in Israeli communities near Gaza, the Israeli military said on Friday.
We’ll bring you more as it comes in.
US nurse’s emotional plea for Trump’s Middle East envoy to see Gaza crisis with his own eyes
08:15 , Shweta SharmaAn American doctor in Gaza’s hospitals has urged U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff to visit Gaza to witness the humanitarian crisis in hospitals first-hand.
In a video posted online, Elidalis Burgos said the war is hitting civilians the hardest as Israel’s aid blockade is causing severe medical supply shortages in the besieged enclave.
“Come inside and take a look for yourself,” Ms Burgos said in a video shared on X. “Don’t believe what other people are saying, take a look with your own eyes.”
US nurse’s emotional plea for Trump’s envoy see Gaza crisis with his own eyes
France begins fresh humanitarian air drops over Gaza
07:50 , Shweta SharmaFrance has launched a fresh humanitarian airdrop operation to deliver critical food aid to the Gaza Strip, starting today.
The mission will see 40 tons of aid dropped over several days, part of a high-stakes military effort aimed at reaching Palestinians in areas cut off from conventional relief.
The French military confirmed that four flights will each deliver 10 tons of food, using a single aircraft taking off from Jordan, as it did during a similar operation in April 2024 that saw France, alongside other nations, deliver 110 tons of food to Gaza.
French foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Friday that France is sending four flights carrying 10 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Gaza from Jordan.
"This is emergency aid but still not sufficient" in the face of this "revolting" situation, Mr Barrot told broadcaster Franceinfo.
While the aid is urgently needed, the operation remains highly sensitive for the French Armed Forces.
A C-130 Hercules aircraft, typically used for such missions, must fly at extremely low altitudes – around 600 metres – to ensure precision during the drop, making each flight both challenging and risky, even for seasoned military personnel, according to BFMTV.
Every package is thoroughly inspected prior to take-off.
Soldiers meticulously check harnesses and parachutes to ensure safe deployment. Once the aircraft reaches the pre-designated GPS coordinates, the plane’s valves open and, within seconds, the one-ton pallets are released. Their parachutes deploy immediately, allowing the food supplies to descend safely into Gaza.
This renewed effort comes amid growing global concern over severe hunger and deteriorating conditions inside Gaza, where aid trucks struggle to reach civilians due to border closures and ongoing conflict.
Egypt backs Canada's recognition of Palestine
07:37 , Shweta SharmaIn a statement released Thursday, Egypt's government called on other countries that have not yet "recognised the State of Palestine to expedite this step, standing on the right side of history."
Canada's prime minister Mark Carney announced on Wednesday that his country will recognise a Palestinian state in September, joining the UK, France and other Western countries in a symbolic statement that is part of a broader global shift against Israel's policies in Gaza.
Pictures from Gaza Strip shows Palestinians scrambling for aid deliveries
07:19 , Shweta SharmaNew pictures from Gaza City have emerged to show people rushing to aid trucks and air drops to find food, as a global hunger monitor has warned that famine is unfolding.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said on Wednesday the United Nations and its partners had been able to bring more food into Gaza in the first two days of pauses, but the volume was "still far from enough".
Germany to respond to any unilateral Israeli moves on Palestinian territories, minister warns
07:09 , Shweta SharmaGermany has warned it will respond to any unilateral Israeli actions on Palestinian territories, in what marks its strongest signal yet of a potential policy shift amid growing international pressure over the crisis in Gaza.
Foreign minister Johann Wadephul made the remarks ahead of a visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories, describing the trip as a “fact-finding mission” amid escalating concerns over starvation and humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
"In light of open annexation threats from parts of the Israeli government, a growing number of countries - including many in Europe - are now prepared to recognise a Palestinian state even without a prior negotiation process. The region and the Middle East peace process are therefore at a crossroads," Mr Wadephul said.
"That process must begin now. Should unilateral steps be taken, Germany too will be compelled to respond."
Mr Wadephul reaffirmed Germany’s position that a lasting resolution to the Gaza war must come through negotiations leading to a two-state solution, where an independent Palestinian state coexists peacefully alongside Israel.
Slovenia becomes first EU country to ban exports and imports of arms to Israel
07:00 , Shweta SharmaSlovenia on Thursday imposed an embargo on exports, imports and transit of arms to Israel, two weeks after it declared Israeli ministers persona non grata, the state news agency STA reported citing a government statement.
The measure was announced by prime minister Robert Golob after a government session. Mr Golob said that Slovenia was the first European country to make such a move, STA reported.
Slovenia recognised a Palestinian state in June last year and has since repeatedly called for a ceasefire in Gaza and increased aid deliveries to the enclave.
Israel has denounced declarations last week by France, Britain and Canada that they may recognise a Palestinian state, saying that it would reward Hamas for its 7 October 2023 assault on Israeli territory.
In photos: Satellite images show people gathering for aid delivery in Gaza
06:48 , Shweta SharmaA comparison of before and after satellite images has shown the large number of crowds of people who surrounded an aid convoy in Khan Younis in Gaza.
The pictures provided by Planet Labs PBC were taken on 26 July.
Trump calls Netanyahu 'competent' as he wants to 'make sure people get fed'
06:30 , Shweta SharmaDonald Trump called Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu “a competent person”, hoping that Israel could manage to feed starving Palestinians and prevent Hamas from stealing aid.
“We want to make sure people get fed,” Mr Trump told NBC.
He added that “good management” of aid will prevent the theft of aid.
“Hopefully the Israelis will provide that,” he said.
Why not enough food is reaching people in Gaza even after Israel eased its blockade
05:59 , Shweta SharmaDespite mounting international outrage over images of skeletal children and a surge in hunger-related deaths, humanitarian aid reaching Gaza remains dangerously insufficient and what little gets in rarely reaches those who need it most.
Israeli officials say they’ve allowed in hundreds of aid trucks this week – between 220 and 270 on Tuesday and Wednesday alone, a sharp increase from earlier months when as few as 70 entered daily.
But most of these trucks never make it to United Nations warehouses or official distribution sites.
Instead, nearly all are swarmed and stripped bare by desperate civilians and armed gangs along the roads. Witnesses describe scenes of chaos: people fighting, looting, even attacking drivers with knives or firearms.
Truck drivers say they’re threatened, beaten, and robbed and some Palestinians have been killed trying to grab aid.
With border crossings tightly restricted and aid convoys under constant threat, international donors have increasingly turned to airdrops. But this method is far from effective.
The UN and aid workers say airdrops account for only a fraction of what trucks can deliver.
Worse, many packages land in unsafe or inaccessible areas – some into the sea, forcing people to swim for soaked bags of flour. Others fall in places the Israeli military has ordered Palestinians to evacuate.
Mapped: Which countries recognise Palestine as a state?
05:45 , Shweta SharmaArab nations tell Hamas to ‘disarm’ and end rule of Gaza after Starmer ultimatum
05:30 , Shweta SharmaArab nations have taken the unprecedented step of telling Hamas to lay down its arms and surrender control of Gaza.
Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Egypt called for the terrorist group to “disarm” and disband. It is the first time these countries have condemned Hamas and demanded it play no part in the future of Palestine.
The landmark shift comes after Sir Keir Starmer issued Israel with an ultimatum, pledging to recognise Palestine if Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration fails to take steps to end the war in Gaza by September.
The three Arab countries joined 14 other nations, including Britain and France, in calling for the disbandment of the group.
Arab nations tell Hamas to ‘disarm’ and end rule of Gaza after Starmer ultimatum
At least 91 killed in chaos after firing during aid collection in Gaza
05:15 , Shweta SharmaAt least 91 Palestinians have been killed and over 600 wounded in the past 24 hours while attempting to access desperately needed humanitarian aid, the Gaza health ministry said on Thursday.
The toll includes 54 people who were killed near the Zikim crossing in northern Gaza while waiting for food on Wednesday.
Officials warned that the death toll is likely to rise further, as many of the wounded were taken to isolated, poorly equipped hospitals in the north that are struggling to function amid ongoing shortages and destruction.
Israel’s military acknowledged that its forces had fired warning shots as crowds gathered around aid trucks, but said it had no knowledge of injuries caused by Israeli fire.
A security official, speaking anonymously, claimed the gunfire came from within the crowd during clashes between Palestinians scrambling to secure aid.
Scenes of desperation have continued to unfold in Gaza as dozens of people sprint toward parachuted food parcels dropped from the sky. With land routes into Gaza effectively sealed, aid organisations have increasingly resorted to air drops, but the deliveries have triggered chaos on the ground.
Stampedes and skirmishes have erupted around the drops, as starving civilians jostle, scream, and fight for the limited supplies.
“I went and my children prayed that I'd return with food. They haven't eaten or drank anything for two days,” said Eslam al-Telbany, a displaced woman from Jabaliya, who was carrying a sack of flour and a bottle of cooking oil when she was attacked and bitten in the chaos. She dropped the aid and returned home empty-handed.
Trump expresses frustration over Gaza aid efforts: 'People are very hungry'
04:45 , Shweta SharmaUS president Donald Trump voiced concern over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, calling the situation “terrible” and questioning the effectiveness of US aid efforts.
His comments came as he was questioned on whether “ what's taking place in Gaza is a genocide”.
"It's terrible what's occurring there. It's a terrible thing. People are very hungry," Mr Trump told reporters. "You know, the United States gave $60m for food and it's a shame, because I don't see the results of it. And we gave it to people that in theory are watching over it fairly closely. We wanted Israel to watch over it."
Mr Trump’s remarks come as his envoys, special envoy Steve Witkoff and Ambassador Mike Huckabee, continue their visit to the region.
REPORTER: Marjorie Taylor Greene has said that what's taking place in Gaza is a genocide?
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) July 31, 2025
TRUMP: Oh, it's terrible what's occurring there. Yeah. It's a terrible thing. People are very hungry. You know, the US gave $60m for food. And it's a shame because I don't see the results… pic.twitter.com/uQPD8CbImS
White House says Witkoff held 'very productive' meeting with Netanyahu
04:30 , Shweta SharmaThe White House said on Thursday that special envoy Steve Witkoff and ambassador Mike Huckabee held a "very productive" meeting with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and senior officials to discuss urgent humanitarian assistance for Gaza.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the meeting focused on accelerating food and aid delivery to the besieged Palestinian enclave.
“President Trump is a humanitarian with a big heart, and that’s why he sent Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to the region in an effort to save lives and end this crisis,” Ms Leavitt said.
According to the statement, Mr Witkoff and Mr Huckabee are scheduled to enter Gaza on Friday to inspect existing distribution sites, coordinate further aid delivery, and speak directly with local residents to assess the scale of the humanitarian crisis.
Their visit comes amid growing international concern over widespread hunger and deteriorating living conditions in Gaza, where aid agencies have repeatedly warned of severe access restrictions.
Comment: Is Keir Starmer already U-turning on Palestine?
04:00 , Jabed AhmedThe statement Keir Starmer made on Tuesday announcing the government’s intention to recognise the state of Palestine sounded as if it had been drafted and re-drafted so many times that no one thought to check if it still made grammatical or logical sense.
Hence the initial confusion: did this mean Britain will recognise Palestine or not? The statement said the government would do so at the United Nations General Assembly in September “unless…” the Israeli government did four things. But one of the conditions listed was a commitment to a two-state solution, something to which Benjamin Netanyahu would never agree.
So it seemed clear that, whatever the deliberate ambiguities of the rest of the statement, recognition would be going ahead in September. It was a victory for those members of the cabinet who had been pushing for it – David Lammy, Shabana Mahmood, Yvette Cooper, Wes Streeting and others – with the support of the silent majority of Labour MPs.
The Independent’s chief political commentator John Rentoul writes:
The history of the two-state solution
03:00 , Jabed AhmedConflict occurred in British-ruled Palestine between Arabs and Jews who had migrated to the area, seeking a national home as they fled antisemitic persecution in Europe and citing biblical ties to the land throughout centuries in exile.
In 1947, the United Nations agreed a plan partitioning Palestine into Arab and Jewish states with international rule over Jerusalem. Jewish leaders accepted the plan, which gave them 56% of the land. The Arab League rejected it.
The state of Israel was declared on 14 May 1948. A day later, five Arab states attacked. The war ended with Israel controlling 77% of the territory.
Some 700,000 Palestinians fled or were driven from their homes, ending up in Jordan, Lebanon and Syria as well as in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
In a 1967 war, Israel captured the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, from Jordan and Gaza from Egypt, securing control of all territory from the Mediterranean to the Jordan valley.
Although 147 of the 193 UN member states already recognise Palestine as a state, it is not itself a UN member, meaning most Palestinians are not recognised by the world body as citizens of any state.
Mapped | Israeli settlements in the West Bank
02:00 , Jabed Ahmed
Watch | American nurse’s emotional plea for Trump’s envoy to come and see Gaza devastation with his own eyes
01:00 , Jabed AhmedWhy not enough food is reaching people in Gaza even after Israel eased its blockade
Thursday 31 July 2025 23:59 , Jabed Ahmed
Why not enough food is reaching people in Gaza even after Israel eased its blockade
What would recognition of Palestine as a state mean for refugees?
Thursday 31 July 2025 23:00 , Jabed AhmedSir Vincent Fean, a former British consul general to Jerusalem and now a trustee of the charity Britain Palestine Project, explained to The Independent that recognition of Palestine as a state would mean that if Palestinian passports were issued, they would subsequently be recognised by the UK as passports of a state.
However, Sir Vincent said Palestinian statehood would not affect the UK’s refugee system.
“Does it impact the tally of refugees coming to the UK? No,” he said. This is because he expects the visa regime the UK currently has with Palestine – where travel is only allowed between the two after a successful visa application – would continue.
He added that Palestinian statehood “wouldn’t particularly change the right of return for Palestinians to their homeland”. He said this was a “long-standing right”, although it would require negotiation with Israel.
Nearly half of pregnant and breastfeeding mothers in Gaza suffering severe malnutrition, warns charity
Thursday 31 July 2025 22:30 , Jabed AhmedNearly half of pregnant and breastfeeding mothers in Gaza are suffering from severe malnutrition and are in need of urgent care, a charity has warned.
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‘Nearly half’ of pregnant and breastfeeding mothers in Gaza have severe malnutrition
Trump says Canadian plan to recognize Palestinian state not a deal breaker in trade
Thursday 31 July 2025 22:28 , Jabed AhmedUS President Donald Trump said he did not like Canada's plans to recognize the State of Palestine at a meeting of the United Nations in September, but added it was not a deal breaker in trade talks with Ottawa.
US imposes visa sanctions on Palestinian Authority officials
Thursday 31 July 2025 21:59 , Jabed AhmedThe US has imposed sanctions on Palestinian Authority officials and members of the Palestine Liberation Organization, accusing them of undermining peace efforts with Israel even as other Western powers moved toward recognition of Palestinian statehood.
The State Department said it would deny visas for travel to the US by those it was targeting, although it did not name any specific individuals.
"It is in our national security interests to impose consequences and hold the PLO and PA accountable for not complying with their commitments and undermining the prospects for peace," the State Department said in a statement.
The State Department said the two Palestinian organisations had "taken actions to internationalize" their conflict with Israel, including through the International Criminal Court, and said both had continued "to support terrorism."
The PA and PLO serve as representatives for the Palestinian people and have long pushed for recognition of a Palestinian state by international organizations and foreign nations. The two groups had no immediate comment on the US move.
There are signs of a growing diplomatic divide over Palestinian statehood between Washington and three fellow Group of Seven allies.
A recap of today's events
Thursday 31 July 2025 21:31 , Jabed Ahmed- US special envoy Steve Witkoff met Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday in a fresh attempt to revive stalled ceasefire talks and address Gaza’s worsening humanitarian crisis.
- Witkoff is expected to travel to Gaza on Friday to inspect food aid deliveries, before briefing Donald Trump on a final plan to speed up aid to the enclave.
- Shortly after Witkoff’s arrival, Mr Trump wrote on Truth Social: “The fastest way to end the Humanitarian Crises in Gaza is for Hamas to SURRENDER AND RELEASE THE HOSTAGES!!”
- The US also announced sanctions on unnamed Palestinian Authority and PLO officials, accusing them of undermining peace efforts.
- Following the meeting, a senior Israeli official said Israel and Washington were moving towards a plan to free all hostages, disarm Hamas and demilitarise Gaza, while military operations continue.
- Israel has sent a response to Hamas’ latest amendments to a US-backed proposal for a 60-day ceasefire and partial hostage release. Hamas has yet to respond.
- At least 23 Palestinians were reported killed by Israeli fire on Thursday, including 12 people gathered near aid trucks. The Israeli military said it fired only warning shots.
- Gaza health officials say 156 people, mostly children, have died from starvation and malnutrition since the war began.
- Two Israeli ministers backed annexing the West Bank, drawing warnings from Palestinians that this would kill off any prospect of a two-state solution.
- Hamas vowed to keep fighting until “the occupation” ends and a fully sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital is created.
Israel is in danger of becoming isolated, German foreign minister warns
Thursday 31 July 2025 20:53 , Jabed AhmedGermany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has said that Israel was in danger of becoming isolated and Germany was trying to prevent that.
"Israel must always find friends, partners and supporters in the international community. And that is currently in danger in this situation. And if there is one country that has a responsibility to prevent this, then in my view it is Germany," Wadephul told reporters on a trip to Israel.
Is a two-state solution possible?
Thursday 31 July 2025 19:59 , Jabed AhmedWhile Israel withdrew settlers and soldiers from Gaza in 2005, settlements expanded in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, their population rising from 250,000 in 1993 to 700,000 three decades later, according to Israeli organisation Peace Now. Palestinians say this undermines the basis of a viable state.
Jewish settlement in the West Bank has accelerated sharply since the start of the Gaza war.
During the Second Intifada two decades ago, Israel also constructed a barrier that it said was intended to stop Palestinian suicide bombers from entering its cities. Palestinians call it a land grab.
The PA led by President Mahmoud Abbas administers islands of West Bank land enveloped by a zone of Israeli control comprising 60% of the territory, including the Jordanian border and the settlements - arrangements set out in the Oslo Accords.
Netanyahu's government is the most right-wing in Israeli history and includes religious nationalists who draw support from settlers. The far-right finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, has said there is no such thing as a Palestinian people.
Netanyahu said on 7 July he wanted peace with the Palestinians but described any future independent state as a potential platform to destroy Israel, saying control of security must remain with Israel.
Hamas won elections in 2006 and a year later drove forces loyal to Abbas out of Gaza, fragmenting the territories where the Palestinians hope to establish their state.
Hamas and Israel have fought repeated wars since then, culminating in the attacks on communities in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, that ignited the current Gaza war.
The Independent View | Donald Trump must put himself at the forefront of peace-building
Thursday 31 July 2025 19:33 , Jabed AhmedRead the full editorial below:
Donald Trump must put himself at the forefront of peace-building
Israel sharpens travel warning for Israelis in UAE, PM's office says
Thursday 31 July 2025 18:59 , Jabed AhmedThe Israeli Prime Minister's office said that the National Security Headquarters has sharpened its travel warning for Israelis staying in the United Arab Emirates, noting "that terrorist organizations are operating with increased intensity these days in efforts to harm Israel".
White House says Trump envoy Witkoff to travel to Gaza on Friday
Thursday 31 July 2025 18:40 , Jabed AhmedUS special envoy Steve Witkoff and US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee will travel to Gaza on Friday to inspect food aid delivery as Witkoff works on a final plan to speed deliveries to the enclave, the White House said.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters the two officials will travel into Gaza to inspect the current food distribution sites and work on a plan to deliver more food there and meet with local Gazans to "hear firsthand about this dire situation on the ground."
Hamas-led factions say Palestinian resistance will not stop until 'occupation' ends
Thursday 31 July 2025 18:24 , Jabed AhmedHamas said Palestinian resistance will not stop until "the occupation" ends and an independent, fully sovereign state with Jerusalem as its capital is established, in response to "the New York" declaration calling for the group to lay down the arms.
A declaration issued on Tuesday by Saudi Arabia and France, backed by Egypt, Qatar and the Arab League, called for Hamas to disarm and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority, which they say should rule across all Palestinian territories.
Saudi Arabia and France are seeking further global support for the declaration outlining steps towards implementing a two-state solution.
Egypt backs Canada's recognition of Palestine
Thursday 31 July 2025 18:24 , Jabed AhmedIn a statement released Thursday, Egypt's government called on other countries that have not yet "recognised the State of Palestine to expedite this step, standing on the right side of history."
Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Wednesday that his country will recognise a Palestinian state in September, joining the UK, France and other Western countries in a symbolic statement that is part of a broader global shift against Israel's policies in Gaza.
Comment | Recognising a state of Palestine doesn’t breach international law
Thursday 31 July 2025 18:05 , Jabed Ahmed
Recognising a state of Palestine doesn’t breach international law
Turkey welcomes steps taken to recognise Palestinian state, Erdogan says
Thursday 31 July 2025 17:29 , Jabed AhmedTurkey's President Tayyip Erdogan has said that he welcomed recent steps taken to recognise a Palestinian state by France, UK and others.
"We find the recent humanitarian reactions coming from Europe, particularly from France and Britain, very valuable. We welcome every step taken toward recognition of the State of Palestine," Mr Erdogan said.
Speaking in Ankara, Mr Erdogan said he had called French President Emmanuel Macron to congratulate him on his decision adding that supporting a two-state solution would be the most effective stance against Israel's policies.
Pictured | Humanitarian aid is airdropped to Palestinians over Zawaida, central Gaza Strip
Thursday 31 July 2025 17:16 , Jabed Ahmed
Mapped | Israeli settlements in the West Bank
Thursday 31 July 2025 16:59 , Jabed AhmedThe history of the two-state solution
Thursday 31 July 2025 16:47 , Jabed AhmedConflict occurred in British-ruled Palestine between Arabs and Jews who had migrated to the area, seeking a national home as they fled antisemitic persecution in Europe and citing biblical ties to the land throughout centuries in exile.
In 1947, the United Nations agreed a plan partitioning Palestine into Arab and Jewish states with international rule over Jerusalem. Jewish leaders accepted the plan, which gave them 56% of the land. The Arab League rejected it.
The state of Israel was declared on 14 May 1948. A day later, five Arab states attacked. The war ended with Israel controlling 77% of the territory.
Some 700,000 Palestinians fled or were driven from their homes, ending up in Jordan, Lebanon and Syria as well as in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
In a 1967 war, Israel captured the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, from Jordan and Gaza from Egypt, securing control of all territory from the Mediterranean to the Jordan valley.
Although 147 of the 193 UN member states already recognise Palestine as a state, it is not itself a UN member, meaning most Palestinians are not recognised by the world body as citizens of any state.
Split in MAGA ranks as Marjorie Taylor Greene attacks US funding for Israel
Thursday 31 July 2025 16:31 , Jabed AhmedUS Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene has called for an end to American funding of Israel’s military operations, saying she spoke with a Christian pastor from Gaza who described children starving and Christians among the dead and wounded.
In a lengthy statement posted on X, Ms Greene questioned whether “innocent Israeli lives [are] more valuable than innocent Palestinian and Christian lives”, and accused Israel’s government of “systematically cleansing them from the land”.
The Georgia MAGA firebrand said most Americans are “fed up” with the US “fixing the world’s problems” while citizens at home struggle with debt, low social security payments and high costs.
She insisted her stance was “not antisemitic” but a rejection of what she described as decades of “America LAST policies”.
“My full focus is on fixing America’s problems,” Ms Greene wrote, adding she will continue to oppose funding “foreign wars” and prioritise American jobs and families instead.
Portugal makes cautious move towards recognising Palestinian state
Thursday 31 July 2025 16:16 , Jabed AhmedPortugal's centre-right government will consult the main political parties and the President about the potential recognition of a Palestinian state, Prime Minister Luis Montenegro has said.
Unlike neighbouring Spain, whose leftist government recognised Palestinian statehood in May 2024 alongside Ireland and Norway and called on other EU countries to do the same, Portugal has taken a more cautious approach, saying it wanted to work out a common position with other EU countries first.
"The government decided to promote consultations with the president and the political parties represented in parliament with a view to consider the recognition of the Palestinian state in a process that could be concluded ... at the U.N. General Assembly in September," Montenegro said in a statement.
