This trip comes as negotiations for the second phase of the truce between Israel and Hamas are set to begin, with the US envoy to the Middle East expressing optimism going forward

The real estate magnate-turned-diplomat reflects on his son's death as he travels to Israel to oversee implementation of Gaza ceasefire.

I've been under fire, including battling terrorists on October 7 to rescue my family -- my advice to you is don't fear the attacks

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

After 14 months of talks, Trump’s threats and his special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, played a major role in helping Biden officials reach the finish line.

Israel and Hamas are set to carry out their third exchange of hostages and prisoners on Thursday as part of a ceasefire agreement that has halted fighting in the Gaza Strip. Hamas is due to release three Israelis and five Thai citizens. Israel is releasing 110 Palestinian prisoners.

Rebuilding Gaza could take 10 to 15 years due to massive destruction, says US envoy Steve Witkoff after visiting the enclave.

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

Israel was due to free 110 prisoners, including 30 minors, in exchange for the three Israelis released on Thursday, the Palestinian Prisoners' Club advocacy group said. It is the third hostage-prisoner exchange under a January 19 ceasefire deal aimed at ending the war in Gaza.

US President Donald Trump’s Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff met with Israeli government officials on Thursday as well as with four IDF soldiers who were released from Hamas captivity last week, as part of his visit to Israel and Gaza over the last few days.