The U.S. special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, met with families of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza in Tel Aviv amid ongoing tensions. In 2023, Hamas took 251 people hostage. The Israeli Chief of Staff has warned that the war will continue without a ceasefire until the hostages are released. Witkoff informed the families that he is working on a plan to end the Gaza war. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump plans to increase U.S. involvement in humanitarian aid efforts in Gaza, aiming to take over the aid distribution. Trump and Witkoff discussed enhancing the U.S. role in providing aid as ceasefire negotiations remain stalled. Trump stated that efforts are underway to ensure food distribution in Gaza, with Israel assisting the U.S. in these efforts. The United Nations Security Council has also convened to address the hostage situation in Gaza.