An in-person encounter between Steve Witkoff and Khalil al-Hayya would signal the Trump administration’s interest in keeping a direct line of communication with the group.
Since the 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas, growing settler violence and Israeli attacks on Palestinian militants have thrown the West Bank into turmoil and displaced tens of thousands.
At least some of the fighters are believed to be in the enclave’s vast tunnel network, marooned behind the “yellow line” that Israeli forces withdrew to as part of the cease-fire.
Elizabeth Tsurkov, a citizen of Israel and Russia, recounts a harrowing story of cruelty, survival, U.S. diplomatic pressure and, finally, release from the grip of a group backed by Iran.
Elizabeth Tsurkov, an Israeli Russian doctoral student at Princeton University, endured two and a half years of captivity in Iraq, held in solitary confinement by a militia backed by Iran.
The visit by the envoy, Morgan Ortagus, coincided with a spike in Israeli attacks on Hezbollah in recent weeks that has stoked fears of a renewed conflict.
Mahmoud Abbas, the president of the Palestinian Authority, clarified a succession plan after more than two decades in control. He said if he vacated his role, his deputy would rule for a short period until elections could be held.
Hussein al-Sheikh, seen here in Ramallah in the West Bank in April, serves as deputy to President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority. Mr. Abbas said Sunday that if he were to vacate his position, the reins would pass to Mr. al-Sheikh.
Connexion
