West Asia Conflict: Trump's Middle East Envoy Engaged In Gaza Ceasefire Talks; Israel Attacks Hospitals Again

The ceasefire talks for Gaza are back on and this time, Donald Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff was part of the delegation from the United States. As per reports, Trump's envoy has been working closely with President Biden's foreign policy team for an urgent ceasefire and hostage deal.

Meanwhile in Gaza, Israel has continued its bombardment and attacked more hospitals across the war-torn region.

West Asia Conflict | Latest Developments

Donald Trump Sends Middle East Envoy For Ceasefire Talks

US President-elect Donald Trump reportedly sent his Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff for the latest round of ceasefire talks in Gaza.

As reported by the Associated Press, Steve Witkoff met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in separate meetings to discuss a ceasefire in Gaza and a hostage deal.

Ceasefire Talks Resume, Qatar Back As Mediator

Qatar, one of the key mediators between Israel an Hamas has resumed its role as a mediator as ceasefire talks resume. As per Bassem Naim, a member of Hamas' political wing, international negotiators have resumed talks for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire in November last year. This ceasefire lasted for a week and saw the release of around 100 hostages. However, since then, both parties have failed to reach a consensus for a ceasefire and potential end to the 14-month war.

Israel Continues Bombardment Of Gaza

As the war rages on, Israel has continued its strikes in the Gaza Strip, reports suggest another hospital in Gaza - Kamal Adwan Hospital - was hit by Israeli air strikes.

Taking note of the attack on healthcare facilities, the World Health Organisation has stated that the attacks on healthcare institutions have become a "worrying trend".

Over the past three years we have seen an increase in the frequency, scale and impact of attacks on healthcare,” said WHO chief Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, referring to wars and conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, Ukraine, Myanmar, Haiti and Sudan.