2 hours ago
Last Updated:January 25, 2026, 19:57 IST
The meeting comes amid ongoing efforts to stabilise Gaza and restore humanitarian access to the region.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. (AFP photo)
US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, on Sunday told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reopen the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt during a meeting in Jerusalem.
The meeting comes amid ongoing efforts to stabilise Gaza and restore humanitarian access to the region.
According to Israeli media report, the news site Ynet, citing an unnamed official, described the meeting as “positive" but said Witkoff pressed for the crossing to reopen even before Hamas returns the remains of the last Israeli hostage believed to be held in Gaza.
The official also said Witkoff raised the possibility of Turkey playing a role in Gaza’s future.
“Witkoff pushed to bring our greatest rival, Turkey, to our border," the official was quoted as saying. “The clock is ticking toward a confrontation with Turkey, which would pose a real threat to our security."
The official further accused Witkoff of acting on behalf of Qatari interests, saying he had “become a lobbyist for Qatari interests."
Shosh Bedrosian, spokeswoman for Netanyahu’s office, told news agency AFP that she would look into the reports. Netanyahu has consistently rejected any Turkish role in Gaza, despite Trump inviting Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to join a so-called “Board of Peace."
Relations between Israel and Turkey have deteriorated since the war in Gaza started in October 2023, following the Hamas attack on Israel. Reopening Rafah is part of a truce framework announced by Trump last October, but the crossing has remained closed after Israeli forces took control during the conflict.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum, Ali Shaath, recently appointed administrator for Gaza, said the crossing would be operational in both directions next week.
“For Palestinians in Gaza, Rafah is more than a gate, it is a lifeline and a symbol of opportunity," he said. Rafah is a key entry point for aid to Gaza’s 2.2 million residents.
(With inputs from agencies)
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First Published:
January 25, 2026, 19:57 IST
News world US Envoy Witkoff, Trump's Son-In-Law Kushner Press Netanyahu To Reopen Rafah Crossing
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