US President Donald Trump's envoy and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, returned to Israel on Monday as mediators confront new challenges in their efforts to advance negotiations for a fragile ceasefire in Gaza. Key unresolved issues remain, including Hamas's disarmament, the reconstruction and governance of Gaza, and the deployment of an international security force.
The negotiations are complicated by the presence of numerous Hamas fighters believed to be underground in tunnels, particularly in Rafah. These fighters are demanding safe passage, a request that Israel has been unwilling to grant. As the discussions progress, concerns over reaching a consensus grow, especially given the absence of a specified timeline and the need for significant concessions from both sides.
US special envoy Steve Witkoff has suggested an amnesty for fighters willing to disarm, though it remains unclear how many fighters are affected—reports indicate around 200 may be trapped. During a meeting, Kushner and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu deliberated on immediate actions, emphasizing the current focus on securing hostage returns ahead of addressing broader issues of disarmament and governance.
Conflict in Gaza escalated after a Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023 caused mass casualties. Since then, thousands have died due to continued hostilities and humanitarian crises in the region. While the current ceasefire has facilitated some hostage releases and humanitarian aid, violations from both sides have raised doubts about the sustainability of these measures.
Without clear objectives for future negotiations and amid fears of permanent partition between territories controlled by Hamas and Israel, the prospects for a long-term peace solution continue to dwindle, impacting the lives of countless civilians in Gaza.
