Steve Witkoff, the Middle East envoy for U.S. President Donald Trump, is set to travel to Europe this week for a series of diplomatic meetings focused on the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
According to a U.S. official, Witkoff will continue efforts to push for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas as the violence in the Palestinian enclave continues.
Witkoff’s trip is part of a broader U.S. initiative to engage key international players in resolving the Gaza war, which has caused extensive casualties and destruction.
He is expected to leave for Rome on Wednesday and arrive on Thursday, July 24. While in Rome, he will meet with Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, as well as a senior Qatari diplomat.
These discussions aim to explore possible steps toward ending the fighting and addressing humanitarian concerns.
Qatar has long played a mediating role in talks involving Hamas, and its involvement in this round of meetings reflects ongoing backchannel efforts to bring about a truce.
Israel’s government, facing both internal and international pressure, has expressed interest in coordinated diplomatic talks to address the situation in Gaza.
The Biden administration had previously handled Gaza negotiations before Trump returned to office earlier this year. Witkoff, a businessman with close ties to Trump, was appointed as his Middle East envoy in early 2025.
Since then, he has taken an active role in re-engaging with regional partners to manage the crisis.
This week’s meeting in Rome will likely serve as a key checkpoint in ongoing diplomatic efforts involving multiple countries.
As tensions persist, Washington is seeking broader international cooperation to encourage both sides toward a resolution and reduce further civilian harm.