Witkoff and the U.S. ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, visited an aid site in Gaza run by the controversial Israel and U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) on Friday, as the United Nations said that over 1,373 Palestinians have been killed while seeking food since the end of May, including 859 at GHF sites.

Hamas has said Israeli hostages in Gaza are receiving no “special privileges,” claiming they get the same food and care as its fighters and civilians. The statement, made by Hamas’ armed wing comes after disturbing videos showed Israeli captives appearing severely malnourished.

Gaza's health ministry has said fuel shortages have severely impaired hospital services, forcing doctors to focus on treating only critically ill or injured patients.