Special envoy Steve Witkoff, representing US President Donald Trump, commented on the meeting with Russian President Putin. Witkoff stated that Putin is not a bad man, but a great leader striving to end conflicts that have lasted for 3 years. He criticized Netanyahu’s lack of planning on the Gaza issue and noted that Hamas could remain a political actor in Gaza if disarmed.

Relations between the US and Russia have been improving positively since President Trump took office. In an interview with journalist Tucker Carlson, Witkoff mentioned that his long discussions with Putin were constructive and solution-oriented. He expressed that he believes Putin is honest and described him as a leader attempting to end longstanding conflicts.

Witkoff also mentioned that Putin told him he went to his local church and prayed for Trump when he was shot, not because he could become the president but because they were friends. Putin had a portrait of Trump painted by a well-known Russian artist and asked Witkoff to take the portrait to Trump. Witkoff emphasized the challenging position of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and urged him to make a deal at this critical moment.

Regarding Gaza, Witkoff criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for lacking strategic planning, leading to instability. Despite Israel’s stance against Hamas being present in the region, Witkoff emphasized that Hamas could remain a political entity in Gaza if disarmed. Understanding Hamas’s motivations, Witkoff suggested that the Gaza conflict could end through dialogue.

Witkoff also commented on the issue of Israeli prisoners in Gaza, stating that Netanyahu does not prioritize them. He criticized Netanyahu for opposing public opinion on the prisoners. Witkoff underscored the importance of Qatar’s role in negotiations and the necessity for the Israeli government to understand the significance of both military pressure and negotiations. He emphasized that Gaza’s sustainable future cannot rely solely on aid and that Palestinians have the right to dream about their future.