US President Donald Trump's envoy and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, returned to Israel on Monday as mediators face a new obstacle in their efforts to advance negotiations on the fragile Gaza ceasefire deal.
Key sticking points remain unresolved, including Hamas's disarmament, the reconstruction and future governance of Gaza, and the deployment of an international security force to the territory.
Another challenge has emerged, concerning scores of Hamas fighters believed to be in tunnels beneath the southern city of Rafah behind the so-called 'Yellow Line,' which marks the area under Israeli control.
US special envoy Steve Witkoff stated that an amnesty could be offered for fighters who laid down their arms, although this proposal remains unconfirmed. Hamas has refused to surrender its fighters unless safe passage is granted, a demand rejected by Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Kushner discussed the crisis, focusing on the complexities of retrieved hostages and future governance, with Netanyahu insisting on disarmament and preventing Hamas from having a role in Gaza's future.
The war, initiated by Hamas's attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, has had devastating consequences, with over 69,000 reported deaths in Gaza. The ceasefire’s first phase aimed to stop hostilities and facilitate humanitarian aid, yet violations are reported by both parties.
With ongoing tensions and unresolved issues, a de facto partition of Gaza between controlled territories appears increasingly likely, raising concerns about the long-term implications of the ceasefire negotiations.
