Trump says will send Middle East envoy to Qatar for ceasefire talks

President-elect Donald Trump is dispatching his incoming special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, to Qatar this week for talks aimed at a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of some 100 Israeli hostages.

Trump speaking at a news conference at his Mar-a-Lago resort on Tuesday reiterated his threat that there will be “hell to pay” in the Middle East if the hostages are not released prior to his Jan. 20 inauguration.

Witkoff, who also spoke briefly at the press conference, said he expected to depart for Qatar later Tuesday or Wednesday but did not detail who he’d be meeting with during his latest visit to the region.

Witkoff added that progress is being made on landing a deal, something he said is happening because of the pressure Trump is creating.

“The red lines he’s put out there — that’s driving this negotiation,” Witkoff said.