VIDEO: US envoy Witkoff meets with Netanyahu in 'Israel'

US President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, arrived in 'Israel' on Thursday for urgent talks as global condemnation intensifies over the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza nearly two years into the war.

Witkoff met 'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss efforts to increase humanitarian aid and consider potential next steps, including a ceasefire. According to 'Israeli' media, the envoy may also visit a US-supported organization involved in food distribution inside Gaza.

His visit comes after another bloody night in northern Gaza, where dozens of Palestinians were reportedly killed when Israeli Occupation troops opened fire near a humanitarian aid convoy. Gaza’s civil defence agency said at least 58 people were killed when soldiers fired into a crowd that had swarmed trucks near the Zikim checkpoint.

Jameel Ashour, a mourner at Gaza’s Al-Shifa hospital, said chaos broke out when people saw looters snatching food supplies.

“When people saw thieves stealing and dropping food, the hungry crowd rushed in hopes of getting some,” Ashour told Agence France-Presse (AFP).

The Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) confirmed it had fired “warning shots” near the convoy but said it had no information on fatalities. An AFP reporter documented the scene at the morgue, where bullet-ridden bodies were laid out.

- Humanitarian tensions -

The situation in Gaza has deteriorated rapidly, with UN-backed reports confirming that “famine is now unfolding.” Images of malnourished children and mass hunger have fueled international calls for a ceasefire and greater aid access.

Despite being one of 'Israel’s' most vocal defenders, Trump has acknowledged the growing humanitarian disaster. Earlier this week, he publicly committed to boosting US aid shipments, warning that Gaza faces “real starvation,” a remark that appeared to contradict Netanyahu, who continues to dismiss reports of widespread hunger.

In a Truth Social post on Thursday, Trump doubled down on his support for 'Israel' but blamed the crisis on Hamas.

“The fastest way to end the Humanitarian Crises in Gaza is for Hamas to SURRENDER AND RELEASE THE HOSTAGES!!!” he wrote.

Meanwhile, ceasefire negotiations remain at a standstill after both 'Israeli' and US teams withdrew from indirect talks in Doha last week. Witkoff has led Washington’s involvement in those discussions.

- Rising global frustration -

Canada this week became the latest Western government to signal support for recognizing a Palestinian state, following similar statements from France and the United Kingdom. Prime Minister Mark Carney warned that “no room for delay” remains as Gaza’s civilian suffering deepens.

'Israel' rejected Canada’s move, calling it part of a “distorted campaign of international pressure.” Trump also criticized Ottawa, warning that such decisions could affect trade negotiations with Washington.

Germany has joined the chorus of concern. Johann Wadephul, a senior German envoy, landed in Jerusalem on Thursday for meetings with Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar.

“Israel is finding itself increasingly in the minority,” Wadephul warned ahead of his visit, citing growing EU support for Palestinian statehood.