July 23, Washington USA: The United States declared on Tuesday that it is making every effort to complete the construction of a corridor for humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. There is hope for a region on the verge of famine as this initiative has reportedly received initial approval from “both parties” involved in the conflict.
The US Department of State announced that Steven Witkoff, Special Envoy to the Middle East, will travel to the region for a diplomatic visit, primarily to finalize the arrangements for this vital corridor.
“Witkoff will travel to the area with high hopes that we can propose a new ceasefire and a humanitarian corridor for aid entry,” Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce told reporters, adding that the corridor “has, in fact, received agreement from both parties.” The announcement coincides with mounting international concern over the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, even though specifics regarding the corridor’s operation and the nature of the agreement were not immediately made public.
During President Donald Trump’s second term, in January 2025, renowned American attorney and real estate investor Steven Witkoff was named the United States’ Special Envoy to the Middle East. Witkoff has contributed significantly to high-stakes negotiations, including a ceasefire and hostage exchange between Israel and Hamas in January 2025, despite having no prior experience in traditional diplomatic settings. His participation demonstrates how urgent the US is to address the Gaza crisis.
Aid organizations and UN representatives have continually warned of growing hunger and a severe shortage of basic supplies in Gaza, where the humanitarian situation is still catastrophic. Recent reports indicate a “mass starvation” situation, with hundreds of Palestinians killed while trying to access food aid, often amidst chaotic distribution scenes and gunfire. For the more than two million Palestinians who are stranded in the enclave, a steady and secure supply of aid is thought to depend on the creation of a special and secure humanitarian corridor.
The United States has been offering a 60-day truce that would include the release of hostages, the exchange of prisoners, and a massive influx of humanitarian aid into Gaza as part of ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas in Qatar for weeks. The United States hopes the humanitarian corridor agreement will ease civilian suffering and open the door to a more comprehensive ceasefire.