Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff becomes the first U.S. official to visit Gaza in more than a decade, ahead of a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the second phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire.

Israel resumed the release of Palestinian prisoners following a delay Netanyahu ordered, citing concerns over the treatment of hostages during their release.

It was Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath, when Steve Witkoff, President-elect Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, sat down with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to deliver a stark message from his boss: It was time for a cease-fire deal in Gaza.

We also report on how Senate Democrats are approaching legislation to sanction the International Criminal Court and interview freshman Rep. Jeff Crank. Also in today’s Daily Kickoff : Rep. Mikie Sherrill,

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is hoping to meet with President Donald Trump in Washington as early as next week.

US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff began his visit to the region on Wednesday amid negotiations to begin the second phase of the truce between Israel and Hamas.

Witkoff is expected to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli officials in Jerusalem.

Follow NBC News live updates for the latest coverage of the ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas.

The post US envoy Steve Witkoff meets Smotrich, Deri and Dermer in Jerusalem appeared first on The Times of Israel.

U.S. President Donald Trump's Mideast envoy met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials to discuss the implementation of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire.

U.S. Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff on Wednesday visited Gaza, then met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following the Gaza ceasefire and a regional diplomatic push. According to the White House,