President Trump set to hold White House meeting for ‘day after' Gaza plan, Witkoff says

U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff said on Tuesday that President Donald Trump is set to host “a large meeting” regarding post-war plans for Gaza at the White House on Wednesday. 

Speaking with Fox News journalist Brett Baier, Witkoff was asked if the United States has a plan for after the war. 

"Yes, we've got a large meeting in the White House tomorrow, chaired by the president, and it's a very comprehensive plan we're putting together on the next day,” Witkoff responded. 

At the start of the interview, Baier asked Witkoff, “Who is holding up the end of the war more, Israel or Hamas?” 

“Hamas,” Witkoff responded immediately, before noting that Hamas dragged its feet in accepting a deal that he himself had proposed. 

“There has been a deal on the table for the last six or seven weeks,” Witkoff noted, saying that Hamas “slow-played” the negotiations. The terror group only accepted the deal after Israel announced its plan to take over Gaza City. 

"It is Hamas now who's saying we accept that deal, and I think in large part they're saying that and changing their mind because the Israelis are putting some very intense pressure on them," Witkoff stated. 

Witkoff also affirmed that Hamas “can have nothing to do with the government [of Gaza] going forward,” saying that was part of Israel’s terms for a ceasefire and President Trump’s terms. 

Baier asked Witkoff, “Why do you see optimism in bringing this to an end?” 

“Well, we think that we are going to settle this, one way or another, certainly before the end of this year,” Witkoff responded, noting that Hamas has signaled its openness to a settlement.

He also said that Israel has maintained its willingness to negotiate, even during the upcoming Operation Gideon’s Chariots II, which is meant to take over Gaza City, one of Hamas’ last strongholds. 

Witkoff also confirmed that the U.S. is in agreement with Israel on no longer pursuing a partial hostage deal. 

“That’s the official position, and that’s President Trump’s official position,” Witkoff told Baier. He said the U.S. is willing to discuss what happens to Hamas the “day after,” but said Washington “adamantly wants all those hostages home.” 

During the interview, Trump’s envoy discussed the need to remove Hamas from Gaza.

“Hamas has held that region hostage for much too long, and it’s time for that to end.” Witkoff continued, saying that “many of the Arab governments” agree with his position. 

When Baier asked if there is “a plan for a day after in Gaza,” in light of the extreme humanitarian situation, including the large amounts of unexploded ordinance, Witkoff responded positively.

“Yes, we've got a large meeting in the White House tomorrow, chaired by the president, and it's a very comprehensive plan we're putting together on the next day, that I think many people are going to see how robust it is.”

He noted that the plan “reflects President Trump’s humanitarian motives” for the region, without providing additional details.