US Envoys Race to Bolster Fragile Gaza Ceasefire Amid Renewed Violence
The precarious truce between Israel and Hamas faces its first major test as US officials descend on the region to reinforce the agreement, following a surge in violence that threatens to unravel weeks of delicate negotiations.
Two envoys from US President Donald Trump’s administration traveled to Israel on Monday to shore up the ceasefire, which took effect on October 10th, aimed at ending two years of conflict. The efforts come as Israel received remains believed to be those of another hostage held in Gaza, and subsequently allowed the resumption of vital aid deliveries to the devastated territory. However, the amount of aid reaching Gaza remains unclear, with a United Nations spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, offering no specific figures.
The truce was briefly jeopardized Sunday when Israel threatened to halt humanitarian shipments and launched strikes across Gaza, alleging that Hamas militants killed two soldiers. Hamas has vehemently denied responsibility for the alleged attacks. Israel later confirmed it would resume enforcing the ceasefire.
Diplomatic Push to Stabilize the Region
US special envoy Steve Witkoff and the president’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the evolving situation. Further bolstering the diplomatic effort, US Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha Vance, are scheduled to arrive Tuesday for meetings with Netanyahu, the prime minister announced.
Netanyahu issued a stern warning to Hamas, stating that any attacks against Israeli forces would be met with “a very heavy price.” President Trump, when questioned about the ceasefire’s sustainability, indicated the US would give the situation “a little chance,” while placing the onus on Hamas to maintain peace. “They have to be good, and if they’re not good they’ll be eradicated,” he stated.
Ceasefire Violations and Hostage Negotiations
Sunday saw renewed clashes, with Israel’s military reporting that militants fired upon troops in Rafah, a city in southern Gaza along the agreed-upon ceasefire lines. This prompted retaliatory strikes that resulted in the deaths of 45 Palestinians, bringing the total number of fatalities since the ceasefire began to 80, according to the territory’s Health Ministry.
Hamas continues to accuse Israel of multiple ceasefire violations and claims communication with its units in Rafah has been severed for months, asserting it cannot be held responsible for incidents in those areas. To improve clarity and reduce future incidents, the Israeli military is implementing measures to delineate the “yellow line” – the demarcation line between areas where troops have withdrawn – using concrete barriers and painted poles. Earlier Monday, Israeli forces struck and killed individuals they claimed crossed this line in Khan Younis, alleging they “posed an imminent threat.”
A key component of the ceasefire agreement involves the return of the remains of deceased hostages. Israel is currently awaiting the handover of remains of 15 individuals, having received thirteen to date.
Future Governance and the US Plan
The next phase of the truce is expected to focus on disarming Hamas, further Israeli withdrawal from areas of control in Gaza, and establishing a framework for the territory’s future governance. The US has proposed the creation of a “Board of Peace,” to be chaired by President Trump and comprised of international figures.
Jared Kushner, in a recent interview with CBS’ “60 Minutes,” emphasized that the success of the deal hinges on the ability of Israel and the international community to develop a viable alternative to Hamas. “If they are successful, Hamas will fail, and Gaza will not be a threat to Israel in the future,” he said.
A Hamas delegation, led by chief negotiator Khalil al-Hayya, is currently in Cairo to discuss the implementation of the ceasefire with mediators and other Palestinian groups. Despite these efforts, Palestinians in Gaza express concerns that the agreement may collapse. Funeral services were held Monday for those killed in recent Israeli strikes. “There should be concerns as long as the matters have yet to be settled,” said Hossam Ahmed, a resident of Khan Younis.
Aid Delivery Remains a Critical Concern
A major point of contention remains the volume of aid being permitted into Gaza. Mediators are actively working to reopen the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza to facilitate increased aid deliveries. “The opening of the Rafah crossing remains essential to scaling up the delivery of life-saving humanitarian aid into Gaza,” stated Qatar’s Minister of State for International Cooperation, Mariam bint Ali Al-Misnad.
(FRANCE 24 with AP)
