U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, will provide an informal briefing to members of the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday, focusing on the ongoing war in Gaza and nuclear negotiations with Iran. According to a U.S. administration official, all 15 council members have been invited to the session, which will be held at the U.S. mission to the UN. The official spoke on condition of anonymity.
As first reported by Axios, Witkoff is expected to outline current U.S. policy in the Middle East, with a particular emphasis on Gaza and a new humanitarian aid mechanism developed in coordination with Israel. This initiative follows growing criticism from European leaders and humanitarian organizations regarding Israel’s recent aid strategy. The Israeli military has significantly restricted the flow of supplies into Gaza for over two months, prompting global concern about the worsening humanitarian crisis.
The proposed U.S.-Israel mechanism reportedly involves private companies distributing food to families in Gaza. However, details remain limited, and skepticism persists over the plan's effectiveness and impartiality. Aid organizations have raised alarms about Israel’s call for the United Nations and NGOs to halt their existing aid distribution efforts.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently announced plans for a more "intensive" offensive against Hamas. The Israeli security cabinet has approved strategies that may include taking full control of the Gaza Strip and the aid system, a move that has further heightened tensions and international scrutiny.
Jan Egeland, secretary-general of the Norwegian Refugee Council, stated on X that Israel’s directive to shut down independent humanitarian aid networks is deeply troubling and could worsen conditions for civilians in Gaza.
This development signals a critical shift in U.S. involvement and regional dynamics amid growing global concern.