Witkoff Back in Israel Seeking Ceasefire, Hostage Families Slam Timing of Push for Palestinian State - CBN NewsWatch - August 1, 2025

JERUSALEM, Israel – President Donald Trump's Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Israel Thursday as more countries are jumping on the bandwagon to recognize a Palestinian state if Israel does not quickly end the war in Gaza.

Witkoff is expected to focus on humanitarian aid and brokering a clear path to a ceasefire. He arrived in Israel as the Gaza conflict reaches a fever pitch.

This week, a wave of countries announced they would recognize a Palestinian state if the war doesn't end soon.

Canada followed France and the U.K. in the statehood decision. Germany is taking a wait-and-see approach.

West Bank Palestinian resident Suha Othman said, "Regarding Canada's recognition, for me, this is an achievement for us because all the countries have started; France was the first, then Canada, and Spain. It's clear that we have reached a broader understanding of the Palestinian cause."

Israel doesn't see it that way, and the Netanyahu government has sharply criticized the European states and Canada for granting rewards to Hamas for the October 7th, 2023, terror attacks.