Kushner Witkoff Deny Gaza Genocide Claims Amid Ceasefire Efforts

In a 60 Minutes interview, President Trump's envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff rejected claims that Israel's military actions in Gaza constitute genocide, emphasizing instead that a war was being fought. Kushner described the devastation in Gaza as resembling a nuclear bomb aftermath, with displaced Palestinians returning to ruins and having nowhere else to go, but attributed the destruction largely to Hamas. Both envoys defended Hamas's good faith in negotiating the Gaza ceasefire despite violations by the group, while also urging Israeli leadership to improve conditions for Palestinians to foster regional integration. Their statements come amid significant international accusations, including from a UN commission and genocide scholars, that Israel has committed genocide in Gaza—a charge strongly denied by Israel and its supporters. The Trump administration's efforts, including a civil-military coordination center, aim to stabilize the region post-conflict, with Trump himself calling for Gaza's rebuilding and expressing hope for the welfare of its people. The envoys' positions sparked controversy, notably for their defense of Hamas and criticism of Israel's treatment of Palestinians, highlighting the complex dynamics of the ceasefire and peace process.