US President Donald Trump's envoy and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, returned to Israel on Monday amidst increasing complications in ongoing ceasefire negotiations in Gaza. With unresolved issues surrounding Hamas's disarmament, the reconstruction and governance of Gaza, and the envisioned international security forces within the territory, progress seems stalled.
Critical to the current stalemate is the presence of numerous Hamas fighters believed to be hiding in tunnels beneath Rafah, prompting fears that any ceasefire negotiations could falter. Observers express doubts regarding the ability of negotiators to bridge the existing gaps without a clear timeline or significant concessions from both sides.
Compounding these issues, an Israeli government spokeswoman reported that discussions between Kushner and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu focused on immediate humanitarian needs and the future role of Hamas, which remains contentious among international stakeholders.
US special envoy Steve Witkoff recently noted a potential pathway towards amnesty for fighters willing to disarm, a plan he described as a model for broader future applications in Gaza. However, with approximately 200 fighters reportedly trapped, their fate hangs uncertain.
Hamas has insisted on safe passage for its fighters, a demand Israel has firmly rejected. Both parties have accused one another of breaching ceasefire terms as tensions escalate, leaving the future governance and security landscape of Gaza unclear. The lessons from the conflict's devastation and each faction's demands continue to complicate resolution efforts.
