NYT: US Envoy Preparing for Potential Talks with Hamas’ Al-Hayya

The New York Times reports that a potential US–Hamas encounter is being arranged as Israeli ceasefire violations continue and Washington advances its controversial “New Gaza” plan.

Palestine, PUREWILAYAH.COM - The New York Times reported on Friday that US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is preparing for a possible meeting with senior Hamas negotiator Khalil al-Hayya, according to individuals briefed on the discussions.

Sources familiar with Witkoff’s travel plans told the newspaper that “the exact date for the meeting has not been set yet,” adding that the schedule remains fluid and “there is still a possibility that the plans will change.”

If confirmed, the encounter would represent an unusual diplomatic step by Washington, which does not formally engage with Hamas. Those cited by the Times said Witkoff “is expected to meet soon with chief negotiator for the Palestinian movement Hamas, Khalil al-Hayya.”

The prospective meeting comes as Israel continues to breach the ceasefire agreement.

Ceasefire Undermined by Ongoing Israeli Violations

The developments unfold against the backdrop of continued violations by the Israeli occupation despite the ceasefire declared on October 10.

According to the information reported, Hamas has fulfilled the primary obligations outlined in the agreement’s first phase: releasing all remaining living captives and returning most of the listed bodies. The movement explained that the recovery of the final bodies requires heavy machinery to remove rubble from collapsed structures.

In contrast, “Israel” has repeatedly breached the truce through strikes, raids, and ground incursions across the agreed “yellow line.”

The Israeli regime has also failed to implement its commitments regarding troop redeployment, prisoner releases, and humanitarian aid delivery — which was supposed to reach 600 trucks per day but remains far below that threshold.

US-Backed ‘New Gaza’ Plan Sparks Widespread Concern

Alongside the violations, the Biden administration has endorsed a “New Gaza” plan that channels reconstruction and investment into the Israeli-controlled half of the Strip. The initiative envisions the area secured by an International Stabilization Force and overseen by a Trump-chaired “Board of Peace.”

Arab and European diplomats warn that concentrating rebuilding efforts in Israeli-held zones would entrench a de facto partition of Gaza and reinforce long-term Israeli dominance.

Regional officials argue that such an approach threatens to reshape the Strip’s political landscape while sidelining Palestinian institutions and undermining prospects for genuine sovereignty.

Fears Grow Over US Push for UNSC Mandate

The United States is reportedly pushing a draft UN Security Council resolution to give the “New Gaza” architecture a two-year mandate.

Diplomats fear this move is designed to convert a temporary ceasefire framework into an internationally sanctioned system that cements division and delays any credible political horizon.

With Washington accelerating its diplomatic push while Israeli violations continue on the ground, concerns are mounting that the proposal risks deepening fragmentation rather than advancing a sustainable solution. (PW)