This trip comes as negotiations for the second phase of the truce between Israel and Hamas are set to begin, with the US envoy to the Middle East expressing optimism going forward

U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff met in Israel with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, aiming to reinforce Israel’s fragile ceasefire with Hamas militants in Gaza after more than 15 months of warfare.

Speaking at the Altneu synagogue in Manhattan, Witkoff says there are risks of a ‘flare-up’ if the deal is not implemented correctly

Follow NBC News live updates for the latest coverage of the ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas.

I've been under fire, including battling terrorists on October 7 to rescue my family -- my advice to you is don't fear the attacks

As both United States President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump try to take credit for Israel and Hamas agreeing to a ceasefire deal in Gaza, a relatively unknown political newcomer in Trump’s incoming team has emerged as a key figure in sealing the deal.

Israel and Hamas are set to carry out their third exchange of hostages and prisoners on Thursday as part of a ceasefire agreement that has halted fighting in the Gaza Strip. Hamas is due to release three Israelis and five Thai citizens. Israel is releasing 110 Palestinian prisoners.

Steve Witkoff, a member of the Donald Trump administration’s transition team, in an interview with NBC News regarding the recent conditions in Gaza, mentioned Indonesia as one of the countries being considered by the Donald Trump administration to accept the relocation of Gazans during the reconstruction period.

U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff visited Gaza on Wednesday, then met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amid the Gaza ceasefire and a regional diplomatic push.

Witkoff, a real estate investor and Trump campaign donor with business ties to Qatar and other Gulf states, was in the region to oversee implementation of a ceasefire deal between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Syria’s de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, on Wednesday abolished the country’s constitution and declared himself president during a meeting of armed factions in Damascus.