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Witkoff and Huckabee to visit Gaza, inspect food distribution centers

Witkoff and Huckabee Tour Gaza Amid Post-Conflict Reconstruction Efforts

In a move that underscores the intersection of American politics, real estate development, and Middle Eastern geopolitics, prominent Trump ally and real estate mogul Steve Witkoff, alongside former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, embarked on a high-profile visit to the Gaza Strip. The duo, both staunch supporters of Israel and influential figures in conservative circles, arrived in the war-torn enclave to inspect potential sites for redevelopment and assess the humanitarian situation on the ground. This visit, which took place amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations and international calls for rebuilding, highlights the complex role that private American figures are playing in the region's future, even as official diplomatic channels remain fraught with tension.

Steve Witkoff, a New York-based developer known for his close ties to former President Donald Trump, has long been involved in high-stakes real estate projects. His portfolio includes luxury properties and urban revitalization efforts, but this foray into Gaza represents a departure into international conflict zones. Witkoff's interest in the area stems from discussions within Trump-affiliated circles about post-war reconstruction in Gaza, where vast swaths of infrastructure have been decimated by years of conflict, most recently intensified by the Israel-Hamas war that erupted in October 2023. Accompanying him was Mike Huckabee, a former Republican presidential candidate, Fox News host, and evangelical leader who has been a vocal advocate for Israel. Huckabee's multiple trips to the Holy Land over the years have positioned him as a bridge between American Christian conservatives and Israeli interests, often framing his support in biblical terms.

The visit, coordinated with Israeli authorities and under tight security, allowed Witkoff and Huckabee to tour several key areas in Gaza, including the northern regions near the border with Israel, which have borne the brunt of military operations. They inspected bombed-out residential neighborhoods, shattered commercial districts, and remnants of public infrastructure such as hospitals and schools. Eyewitness accounts from local Palestinian officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the pair moving through rubble-strewn streets, accompanied by Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) escorts and a small contingent of international aid workers. Witkoff, drawing on his expertise in urban planning, reportedly took notes on potential sites for high-rise developments, waterfront projects, and economic zones that could transform Gaza's coastline into a hub for tourism and trade—ideas that echo ambitious proposals floated during the Trump administration's "Peace to Prosperity" plan.

Huckabee, ever the communicator, used the opportunity to emphasize the humanitarian angle. In statements released during the tour, he described the devastation as "heartbreaking" but expressed optimism about Gaza's potential for renewal. "We've seen the destruction firsthand, but with the right vision and investment, this could become a beacon of hope," Huckabee said, invoking themes of redemption and rebuilding that resonate with his evangelical base. He highlighted the need for international partnerships to address immediate needs like clean water, electricity, and housing, while also advocating for security measures to prevent future conflicts. Witkoff echoed these sentiments, focusing on economic revitalization. "Gaza has incredible real estate potential—beautiful beaches, strategic location. But it needs stability and investment to thrive," he remarked, suggesting that private-sector involvement could bypass bureaucratic hurdles that have stalled previous aid efforts.

This inspection comes at a pivotal moment in the Israel-Gaza saga. The conflict, which has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced over a million people, has left Gaza's economy in tatters. According to United Nations estimates, more than 80% of the Strip's buildings have been damaged or destroyed, with reconstruction costs projected to exceed $50 billion. International donors, including the United States, European Union, and Gulf states, have pledged funds, but progress has been slow due to political divisions and concerns over funds reaching Hamas, the militant group that has controlled Gaza since 2007. Witkoff and Huckabee's visit aligns with broader efforts by pro-Israel advocates in the U.S. to promote a vision of Gaza that integrates it into a normalized regional economy, potentially under Israeli oversight or through partnerships with moderate Arab states.

Critics, however, view the tour with skepticism. Palestinian leaders and human rights groups have accused the visitors of overlooking the root causes of the conflict, including the ongoing Israeli blockade and occupation. "This isn't about helping Gaza; it's about reimagining it for foreign interests," said a spokesperson for the Palestinian Authority, who argued that any redevelopment must prioritize Palestinian self-determination. Progressive voices in the U.S., including members of the Democratic Party, have raised concerns about the involvement of Trump associates, suggesting it could undermine official U.S. foreign policy under the Biden administration. The current White House has focused on brokering ceasefires and delivering humanitarian aid, but has faced criticism for not pushing harder for a two-state solution.

The historical context adds layers to this development. Gaza, a narrow coastal strip home to over two million people, has been a flashpoint since Israel's withdrawal in 2005. Subsequent wars in 2008-2009, 2012, 2014, and 2021-2023 have exacerbated poverty and isolation. Huckabee's past visits to Israel, including settlements in the West Bank, have drawn ire for seemingly endorsing expansionist policies. Witkoff, meanwhile, has been linked to Trump's Middle East initiatives, such as the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations but sidelined Palestinian issues. Their joint trip could signal a preview of what a second Trump term might entail—prioritizing economic incentives over political resolutions.

During the inspection, the pair also met with local community leaders and aid organizations. Reports indicate discussions on innovative projects, such as solar-powered desalination plants to address water scarcity, and tech hubs that could create jobs for Gaza's youth. Witkoff, leveraging his business acumen, proposed public-private partnerships involving American firms, potentially attracting investments from Silicon Valley and Wall Street. Huckabee, drawing from his gubernatorial experience, stressed the importance of education and vocational training in rebuilding efforts, suggesting collaborations with Israeli universities.

Reactions from Israel have been largely positive. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office issued a statement welcoming the visit, calling it a "step toward a prosperous future for the region." Israeli media outlets portrayed Witkoff and Huckabee as visionaries who could help turn Gaza from a "terror base" into an economic asset. On the American side, conservative commentators praised the initiative as a bold alternative to failed diplomatic approaches, while liberals decried it as insensitive amid ongoing suffering.

Looking ahead, the visit raises questions about the feasibility of such plans. Security remains a paramount concern; any redevelopment would require dismantling militant networks and ensuring long-term peace. Funding is another hurdle—while Witkoff's network could mobilize private capital, international buy-in is essential. Moreover, the Palestinian perspective cannot be ignored; without genuine inclusion, projects risk being seen as imposed solutions rather than collaborative efforts.

In essence, Witkoff and Huckabee's Gaza tour encapsulates the evolving dynamics of Middle East peace-building, where private enterprise and political ideology intersect with humanitarian needs. Whether this leads to tangible progress or merely symbolic gestures remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly injects fresh energy into discussions about Gaza's future. As the world watches, the Strip's path forward may hinge on balancing reconstruction with reconciliation, a challenge that has eluded leaders for decades.

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Read the Full Politico Article at:
[ https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/witkoff-huckabee-visit-gaza-inspect-183612135.html ]