The US special envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff is expected to travel to Israel on Thursday, amid an increasing international outcry over the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Mr Witkoff "will meet officials to discuss next steps in addressing the situation in Gaza”, a US official confirmed.
The death toll from Israel’s military campaign has now surpassed 60,100 and images of starving children have fuelled anger and concern in many western countries, including the US.
President Donald Trump this week conceded “real starvation” was taking place across Gaza. “I see it and you can’t fake that,” he said. “We have to get the kids fed.”
Hopes for a ceasefire and hostage release deal were dashed last week when Israel and the US walked away from negotiations after receiving Hamas’s response to their proposal. Mr Witkoff accused Hamas of acting in a “selfish way” and not in “good faith".
“We will now consider alternative options to bring the hostages home and try to create a more stable environment for the people of Gaza,” he said.
Washington has yet to say what those alternatives are.
Who are the Soroptimists?
The first Soroptimists club was founded in Oakland, California in 1921. The name comes from the Latin word soror which means sister, combined with optima, meaning the best.
The organisation said its name is best interpreted as ‘the best for women’.
Since then the group has grown exponentially around the world and is officially affiliated with the United Nations. The organisation also counts Queen Mathilde of Belgium among its ranks.
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BULKWHIZ PROFILE
Date started: February 2017
Founders: Amira Rashad (CEO), Yusuf Saber (CTO), Mahmoud Sayedahmed (adviser), Reda Bouraoui (adviser)
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: E-commerce
Size: 50 employees
Funding: approximately $6m
Investors: Beco Capital, Enabling Future and Wain in the UAE; China's MSA Capital; 500 Startups; Faith Capital and Savour Ventures in Kuwait
