Witkoff says he will discuss ceasefire with Qataris today on sidelines of World Cup match

By Jacob Magid

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13 July 2025, 9:05 pm

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Jacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief

US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff (L) and Jared Kushner await the arrival of President Donald Trump at Teterboro Airport, from where they will motorcade to attend the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final, July 13, 2025. (Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP)

US special envoy to the Mideast Steve Witkoff tells reporters that he will meet with a Qatari delegation on the sidelines of the FIFA Club World Cup in New Jersey later this afternoon in order to discuss the ongoing Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal negotiations.

The White House said last week that Witkoff would travel to Doha to advance the talks, but he subsequently pushed off that trip after negotiations stalled.

Still, he tells reporters that he is “hopeful” about the chances for a deal.

Witkoff is seen on the tarmac talking for 10 minutes to Jared Kushner, who was the main architect of US President Donald Trump’s Mideast policy during his first term.