Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff becomes the first U.S. official to visit Gaza in more than a decade, ahead of a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the second phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire.

It was Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath, when Steve Witkoff, President-elect Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, sat down with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to deliver a stark message from his boss: It was time for a cease-fire deal in Gaza.

We also report on how Senate Democrats are approaching legislation to sanction the International Criminal Court and interview freshman Rep. Jeff Crank. Also in today’s Daily Kickoff : Rep. Mikie Sherrill,

Israel resumed the release of Palestinian prisoners following a delay Netanyahu ordered, citing concerns over the treatment of hostages during their release.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is hoping to meet with President Donald Trump in Washington as early as next week.

US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff began his visit to the region on Wednesday amid negotiations to begin the second phase of the truce between Israel and Hamas.

Witkoff is expected to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other Israeli officials in Jerusalem.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was meeting in Jerusalem with U.S. President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, Netanyahu said in a statement on Wednesday, amid

Steve Witkoff, a New York real estate developer and investor, was reportedly instrumental in delivering the message to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Trump wanted the deal in place ...

Follow NBC News live updates for the latest coverage of the ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas.

Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff pressed Netanyahu to proceed with the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire, amid speculation about Israel resuming its war