President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, held high-stakes meetings in November with leaders in Qatar and Israel to advance a potential ceasefire and hostage release agreement in Gaza before Trump’s January 20 inauguration, according to sources briefed on the discussions.

Witkoff, a real estate investor and Trump campaign donor, met separately with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. Qatar, which recently paused its mediation efforts, may soon resume its role as a key intermediary, with Hamas negotiators likely returning to Doha for indirect talks, sources said.

Discussions between Witkoff and Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the urgency of achieving a ceasefire to pave the way for broader regional stabilization efforts under the incoming Trump administration. A source noted that both leaders agreed on the importance of reaching a deal before January 20.

Witkoff also visited Israel, where he met Netanyahu and families of hostages held in Gaza. An Israeli official confirmed that Witkoff shared Trump’s commitment to securing a deal before the inauguration. Netanyahu’s office has not commented on the meetings.

On November 24, Qatar’s Sheikh Mohammed met in Vienna with Mossad Director David Barnea, who has led Israel’s negotiations with Qatar over the past 14 months. Plans are reportedly underway for indirect Israel-Hamas talks to resume in Doha, though no specific date has been announced.

Trump’s transition team has yet to comment on Witkoff’s diplomatic efforts. The White House National Security Council also declined to address whether it had been informed of Witkoff’s travel. Trump, in recent remarks, warned of severe consequences in the region if the hostages are not released before his presidency begins.

Qatar, previously a pivotal mediator in negotiations, had suspended its role last month, citing a lack of seriousness from the parties involved. However, its renewed involvement signals a possible breakthrough in the long-stalled talks.

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