US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff is expected to arrive in Israel on Thursday as part of an effort to advance negotiations for a hostage deal and to assess the humanitarian situation in Gaza, a source familiar with the details told The Jerusalem Post.
Witkoff's visit comes as Israeli officials warn that if there is no progress in the coming days on a deal to release the hostages, Israel may be forced to take further action on the ground.
On Monday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a closed-door meeting with a small group of ministers to discuss potential next steps. Among the options raised were annexing parts of the security perimeter in Gaza, dividing and conducting a siege in the Gaza Strip, and expanding military operations into areas where hostages are believed to be held.
Defense Minister Israel Katz stated on Wednesday that "Israel is making extraordinary efforts to secure the release of the hostages, while applying heavy pressure on Hamas in Gaza. If Hamas does not soon announce the release of the hostages, it will pay a very heavy price."
According to two sources who spoke with the Post, Hamas has informed mediators that it will not enter negotiations with Israel until the humanitarian situation in Gaza improves.
Meanwhile, Israel has issued a formal response to a position paper sent by the terrorist organization several days ago. Israeli officials made it clear they reject Hamas's demand to release live terrorists in exchange for the bodies of hostages.