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December 5, 2024 | 11:33 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Donald Trump sent an envoy to the Middle East before being inaugurated as President of the United States. Steve Witkoff has traveled to Qatar and Israel to initiate talks of a ceasefire and hostage release deal before Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2025.
As reported by Reuters, Steve Witkoff, who will serve under the Trump administration, separately met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in late November, according to sources.
Witkoff seems to seek to rebuild the nearly 14 months of unsuccessful diplomacy by the Biden administration. The negotiations aim to achieve a lasting ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian resistance group Hamas in Gaza, as well as the release of dozens of hostages held in the enclave.
The meeting also signaled that the Gulf state of Qatar has resumed as a key mediator after halting its role last month. The source added that Hamas negotiators are likely to return to the Qatari capital, Doha, for further discussions.
President Joe Biden's aides have been aware of Witkoff’s contact with officials from Israel, Qatar, and other Middle Eastern officials. The Biden administration, rather than Witkoff, retains the U.S. lead in efforts to revive negotiations towards a ceasefire in Gaza. Hamas leaders held talks with Egyptian security officials in Cairo on Sunday.
President Joe Biden's team continues to provide the latest information to the Trump camp, but the two sides have not directly worked together, said the U.S. official.
The Biden administration does not see a need to coordinate with Witkoff because it regards his discussions with regional players as largely an effort to learn the issues rather than negotiations, the official said.
Trump's transition team and representatives for Witkoff did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the meetings.
On Monday, Donald Trump threatened to create havoc in the Middle East if Hamas does not release the hostages before his inauguration.
REUTERS
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