US special envoy Steve Witkoff’s trip to an aid distribution site in Gaza was met with hope, skepticism and anger from its citizens as starvation spreads through the territory.
Hatem Abu Rahma, a Gaza resident, said he hoped Witkoff’s visit to Rafah would lead to a ceasefire agreement that “puts an end to the starvation.”
“My message to the US envoy, Mr. Witkoff, is to intensify efforts to end the war and relieve the suffering of thousands of people in Gaza. It’s now clear to everyone that Gaza is no longer livable, there’s no education, no healthcare, and starvation continues to this day,” Abu Rahma told CNN.
Raed Radwan, another Gaza citizen, was less optimistic that Witkoff’s visit would have any positive results, calling the trip “provocative” amid clear images that a humanitarian crisis is gripping the enclave.
“This is a naive visit. Honestly, I consider it an insult to all the reports issued by international news agencies about the famine in Gaza,” Radwan said. “All the deaths from famine and malnutrition, and the emaciated bodies… they still don’t believe it and are sending someone to confirm it?”
Radwan described food distribution in Gaza as “putting food for the animals in a cage,” where only the strongest can get their hands on flour.
“I am demanding that the American administration provide us with safety and protection and allow aid to be delivered to the unarmed civilians,” he pleaded.
Nima Hassan, a Gaza resident, said that the destroyed city of Rafah has become “a destination for the occupation and its guests.”
“To Witkoff, the war guest: We hope that during your visit, you will not be satisfied with the picture presented to you by the Israeli side,” Hassan added. “Try to understand the real situation in the Gaza Strip.”
Eyad Kourdi contributed reporting to this post.
