US Envoys Witkoff, Kushner Urge Netanyahu to Reopen Rafah Crossing

• US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, pressing for the reopening of the Rafah crossing.
• The meeting aimed to stabilize Gaza and restore humanitarian access, with Witkoff pushing for the crossing to reopen even before Hamas returns Israeli hostage remains.
• An unnamed Israeli official described the meeting as "positive" but expressed concern over Witkoff's suggestion of Turkey's role in Gaza's future, calling Turkey Israel's "greatest rival."
• The official also accused Witkoff of lobbying for Qatari interests, a claim Netanyahu's office is investigating.
• Netanyahu has consistently rejected Turkey's involvement in Gaza, despite a truce framework announced by Trump last October that included reopening Rafah.

Why It Matters: US envoys pressed Netanyahu to reopen the Rafah crossing for humanitarian aid and Gaza stabilization.