Special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner returned to the region between 11:31 PM and 12:31 AM UTC on October 20th, 2025, to address a ceasefire that is reportedly under strain. Their arrival comes less than a week after the return of 20 Israeli hostages, and their mission aims to prevent the current situation from unraveling, according to a statement from CBS News. Witkoff shared his emotional experience witnessing the return of the 20 Israeli hostages, stating his feelings upon their homecoming. The envoys have been granted permission by President Donald Trump to communicate directly with Hamas, a diplomatic departure intended to reassure the group and sustain the peace plan. This renewed diplomatic effort follows a period of heightened tensions. Previous reports indicated an incident in Rafah resulting in the deaths of two Israeli soldiers, which led to Israeli airstrikes and the closure of Gaza crossings. Former senior Hamas official Khodr Mahjaz declared Hamas "done as a political and military force in the Gaza, and it will cease to exist," accusing Yahya Sinwar. Additionally, Israeli forces detained 122 individuals attempting to infiltrate from the Hebron region towards the interior of the country in the Lakish area, and shooting incidents were reported east of Khan Yunis in the Gaza Strip during the prior reporting window.
