Witkoff in Gaza: “Reconstruction Will Take 10-15 Years”

Deal Progressing, but Continued Implementation Needed

The Trump administration is pressing forward with efforts to secure the release of all remaining hostages, emphasizing that progress must continue beyond the first phase of the ceasefire agreement. White House envoy Steve Witkoff, following discussions with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and senior Israeli officials, confirmed that the initial phase of the deal had been successfully implemented, but underscored the necessity of seeing it through to completion. “Bibi is committed to the process,” Witkoff stated, according to a report from Walla News.

Negotiations for the next phase of the hostage deal are scheduled to begin Monday, with the primary challenge remaining the full return of all hostages. Witkoff personally met with hostage families and those recently freed, reassuring them of President Donald Trump’s unwavering dedication to securing their loved ones’ safe return.

Visit to Gaza and Situation Assessment

As part of his visit, Witkoff spent considerable time in Gaza assessing the current conditions. He described the level of destruction as catastrophic, highlighting the reality that large parts of the enclave are now uninhabitable. “People are moving north, hoping to return home, only to see what has happened and turn back. There is no water, no electricity,” he observed. He further estimated that the reconstruction of Gaza could take 10 to 15 years, with efforts to assess Hamas’ vast tunnel network expected to take even longer. “There was a belief that we could have a clear reconstruction plan for Gaza within five years. But that is simply impossible,” he stated.

The widespread destruction in Gaza serves as a visible reminder of the suffering inflicted upon its people by Hamas and Islamic Jihad for decades. True rebuilding must go beyond physical infrastructure and include moral and societal renewal. A future of peace and prosperity requires a transformation in education, governance, and leadership—one that rejects extremism and embraces coexistence. We pray for the fulfillment of the prophecy, “They will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.” – Isaiah 61:4, believing that only through such renewal can lasting stability and hope emerge.

The Issue of Palestinian Relocation and Gaza Reconstruction

The Trump administration has also floated the possibility of Palestinians from Gaza being relocation to neighboring Egypt and Jordan, an idea that remains under discussion. Witkoff noted that while he had not personally spoken with Trump about this proposal, the dire state of Gaza raises serious questions about its reconstruction in the short-term.