U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff met in Tel Aviv on Saturday with families of Israelis still held by Hamas, telling them he is working with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on a plan that he believes could “effectively end the war” in Gaza. The proposal, according to a recording reviewed by Reuters, couples large-scale reconstruction of the enclave with the release of all remaining hostages. Witkoff said Washington and Jerusalem see demilitarising Gaza as central to the blueprint, and claimed Hamas had signalled readiness to disarm. The militant group promptly rejected that idea, repeating that it will not abandon its weapons unless an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital is established. Indirect talks, brokered by Qatar and Egypt, on a 60-day cease-fire and partial hostage release remain stalled. The envoy’s visit came amid fresh outrage after Hamas’ Qassam Brigades published a second video in as many days showing 24-year-old Israeli captive Evyatar David, visibly emaciated, digging what he says is his own grave in a tunnel. Netanyahu called the images proof of “limitless cruelty” and pledged to continue efforts to bring every hostage home. Thousands rallied in central Tel Aviv demanding faster action, briefly blocking the Ayalon highway. Israel says 251 people were seized in the 7 October 2023 attack that killed about 1,200 people; roughly 50 captives remain in Gaza and only 20 are believed to be alive. Gaza’s health ministry puts Palestinian fatalities from Israel’s military campaign at more than 60,000. Israel’s army chief warned that fighting will resume “without rest” if no agreement on the hostages is reached, underscoring the fragile state of cease-fire diplomacy.