Middle East conflict live updates: Biden appoints new aid envoy; Israel’s war cabinet meets over hostage deal talks

President Biden appointed Lisa Grande on Thursday as the new U.S. special envoy for Middle East humanitarian issues. Grande will replace David Satterfield in the position, which was created in the aftermath of Oct. 7 to coordinate aid to Gaza. Israel’s war cabinet is meeting Thursday to discuss negotiations for a hostage deal ahead of a planned Israeli incursion in Rafah, where much of Gaza’s displaced population is staying, said an Israeli official speaking on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter. For months, talks have failed to reach a Gaza cease-fire and hostage release deal.