Post by : Rameen Ariff

Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump and his envoy, has returned to Israel as the negotiations for a Gaza ceasefire encounter significant hurdles. The discussions, intended to progress into a more intricate phase, are hindered by disputes regarding Hamas's disarmament, the rebuilding of Gaza, and the establishment of an international peacekeeping force.

Kushner convened with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday in Jerusalem to assess the current state of the ceasefire agreement. An official from the Israeli government stated that the talks were centered on the “first phase, which we are still navigating, focusing on securing the release of remaining hostages,” alongside discussions about “phase two — disarming Hamas, demilitarizing Gaza, and precluding Hamas from any future governance role in Gaza.”

Challenges Facing the Ceasefire Agreement

Despite prolonged mediation efforts, critical issues remain unaddressed. Hamas has maintained its stance against disarmament unless a Palestinian state is recognized, while Israel demands full disarmament of Hamas before allowing any political transition or reconstruction efforts to begin.

Reports have emerged suggesting that numerous Hamas militants are still ensconced in tunnels beneath Rafah, within the areas occupied by Israeli forces. US special envoy Steve Witkoff noted last week that Washington might contemplate an amnesty proposal for militants willing to surrender, referring to it as a potential “blueprint” for future reconciliation in Gaza. Yet, Israel has firmly rejected Hamas’s request for secure passage.

Progress and Ongoing Hurdles in Phase One

The first phase of the ceasefire, which commenced last month, has seen partial achievements, including a cessation of large-scale hostilities and facilitated humanitarian aid into Gaza. Israel has released 250 Palestinian detainees and 1,718 individuals held without charges, alongside the remains of over 300 Palestinians. In retaliation, Hamas freed 20 live hostages and returned 24 bodies of captives, although four individuals remain unaccounted for in Gaza.

However, both factions have traded accusations of breaching the ceasefire agreement. Hamas asserts that Israel has conducted limited strikes resulting in the deaths of over 200 Palestinians, while Israel contends that Hamas has stalled the release of hostages' remains and obstructed aid deliveries.

The Crossroads for Gaza's Future

Currently, the Israeli military oversees more than half of Gaza's territory, with future withdrawals contingent upon the outcomes of negotiations. Yet, as talks extend without resolution, diplomatic sources indicate a potential de facto division — with Israel controlling one portion and Hamas governing another.

Arab nations are increasingly alarmed that such a separation could solidify into a lasting partition, jeopardizing regional stability. Furthermore, the Trump administration's framework — notably lacking a plan for Palestinian statehood — continues to face international backlash.

As nations remain reluctant to deploy troops for an ambiguous multinational effort, and with Israel dismissing any Palestinian Authority role in governing Gaza, the route to enduring peace remains unclear.

As Kushner embarks on his diplomatic journey, experts argue that substantial progress will necessitate major concessions from both sides, complemented by a definitive and cohesive vision for the political and humanitarian future of Gaza.

#Global