Witkoff and Kushner reject allegations of ‘genocide’ in Gaza
Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, serving as Special Envoys for the Middle East, denied that the situation in Gaza amounts to genocide, despite acknowledging the severe destruction in the region. In a recently aired CBS News “60 Minutes” interview, both emphasized that the conflict is a war rather then genocide. Kushner described Gaza as looking devastated, likening the damage to the aftermath of a nuclear bomb and highlighting the displaced people returning to ruined homes to set up makeshift shelters. The interview occurred amid ongoing tensions and intermittent ceasefires between Israel and Hamas, including recent violations and a temporary halt of aid linked to a ceasefire deal brokered by former President Trump. During a rally, Israelis showed mixed sentiments, applauding Trump but booing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, though witkoff expressed support for Netanyahu’s leadership during challenging times. Witkoff and Kushner continue to engage in efforts to maintain ceasefire agreements and facilitate hostage releases in the region.
Witkoff and Kushner reject allegations of ‘genocide’ in Gaza
Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner denied that the Palestinian people had suffered a “genocide” while also noting the destruction of Gaza.
CBS News’s 60 Minutes aired an interview with the pair Sunday, which happened to be the day where there was an exchange of fire between Israel and terrorists in southern Gaza despite a ceasefire. Anchor Lesley Stahl asked the pair: “Would you say now, having been [to Gaza], that it was genocide?”
“No, no,” Kushner said.
“Absolutely not. No,” Witkoff followed up. “No, there was a war being fought.”
Kushner noted that during his visit to the Levant in the days before the official exchange of hostages, Gaza “looked almost like a nuclear bomb had been set off.”
“And then you see these people moving back, and I asked the IDF ‘Where are they going?’ Like, I’m looking around, these are all ruins. And they said ‘Well, they’re going back to the areas where their destroyed home was, onto their plot, and they’re going to pitch a tent,’” Kushner said. “It’s very sad, because you think to yourself: they really have nowhere else to go.”
Israelis voiced their disapproval of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during Witkoff’s rally speech. When Witkoff mentioned President Donald Trump, the crowd roared with applause. However, when Witkoff referenced Netanyahu, the crowd booed.
“That’s how they feel. I don’t feel that way,” Witkoff told 60 Minutes. “I thought he steered his country through some really difficult circumstances.”
GAZA CEASEFIRE ‘RENEWED’ AFTER STRIKES ON HAMAS, IDF SAYS
Witkoff and Kushner visited Israel again Monday after a tumultuous weekend that saw a temporary pause on all aid, a key component of Trump’s ceasefire deal.
Late Sunday, Israeli Defense Forces returned to their neutral position to renew the ceasefire.
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