U.S. representatives held discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday to address the recent escalation of violence jeopardizing the Gaza ceasefire agreement. The ceasefire, endorsed by both Israel and Hamas following a deadly incident on Sunday, has witnessed 45 fatalities in the last 24 hours.
Despite efforts to maintain the truce, ongoing outbreaks of violence have raised doubts about the sustainability of the agreement and the prospects of resolving key issues such as Hamas disarmament, Israeli troop withdrawals, and governance of the Palestinian territory.
President Trump emphasized the U.S.’s commitment to upholding the ceasefire while cautioning Hamas to comply swiftly. Trump clarified that while Hamas violated the agreement, he did not hold its leadership solely responsible, attributing the breaches to internal discord within the organization.
Following the arrival of U.S. envoys, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, discussions aimed at reinforcing the ceasefire and transitioning to the next phase of the plan were scheduled to commence. Additionally, Vice-President JD Vance’s impending visit to Israel signifies the importance of regional stability in the eyes of the U.S. government.
The recent spike in casualties in Gaza, with 80 reported deaths and 303 injuries since the ceasefire began, underscores the fragile nature of the situation. The return of a hostage’s body by Hamas to Israel, with 15 more bodies pending repatriation, highlights the complexity of the negotiations and the challenges ahead.
Although aid convoys will continue to enter Gaza despite temporary disruptions, the closure of the Rafah border crossing remains in effect, limiting the movement of individuals across the border. Talks in Cairo between Hamas representatives and Egyptian officials seek to advance the ceasefire implementation and address governance issues in Gaza.
As uncertainties persist, residents in Gaza express concerns about potential escalations. The delicate state of the ceasefire has sparked anxiety among the population, with fears of economic instability and the fragility of the peace agreement looming large.