US President Donald Trump's envoy and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, has returned to Israel as mediators confront new obstacles in their efforts to advance negotiations on the fragile Gaza ceasefire deal.
Key unresolved issues include Hamas's disarmament, the reconstruction of Gaza, and the establishment of an international security force in the territory.
Of particular concern is the emerging obstacle of numerous Hamas fighters believed to be trapped in tunnels beneath Rafah, which complicates the ceasefire negotiations.
Another challenge stems from uncertainties surrounding a timeline for discussions, where significant concessions are expected from both Israel and Hamas.
Last week, US special envoy Steve Witkoff suggested the possibility of amnesty for fighters who relinquish their arms—a potential model for broader applications in Gaza. However, resistance persists as Hamas demands safe passage for its fighters, a request that has been consistently denied by Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a recent meeting with Kushner, reiterated the importance of focusing on the return of hostages in the first phase of the ceasefire plan while discussing the disarmament of Hamas and Gaza's future governance.
The ceasefire, initially implemented last month, aimed at halting hostilities, returning hostages, and facilitating humanitarian aid to Gaza. Yet tensions remain high, with accusations of violations from both sides.
While Kushner's roles in ongoing discussions encompass multiple critical aspects, the situation also raises fears of a potential de-facto partition of Gaza, which may solidify long-term divisions between areas controlled by Israel versus those governed by Hamas. This potential division raises alarm among regional players concerned about the enduring implications for Palestinian statehood and regional stability.
