President Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East is set to return to the region to negotiate an extension on the first phase of the cease-fire deal — as the temporary truce nears a breaking point over Hamas’ barbaric displays during the hostage handoffs.

Before Trump returned to the White House, Witkoff was his political adviser, fundraiser and golfing buddy. In testimony at Trump’s 2023 New York civil fraud trial, Witkoff said the pair’s friendship began in 1986 when he bought Trump a sandwich at a deli after Trump forgot his wallet.

Trump envoy Steve Witkoff said on Sunday that he was headed to the Middle East this week to discuss an extension to phase one of the Israel-Hamas peace deal.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff said on Sunday the U.S. expects the second phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal to go forward and that he would visit the Middle East in the coming week.

President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff will travel to the Middle East this week, he said on Sunday, to push for the extension of a fragile Gaza ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.