US Steps Up Peace Efforts as Gaza Ceasefire Faces New Violence

Post by : Saif Nasser

The United States has begun new diplomatic talks in the Middle East after fresh fighting over the weekend shook a week-old ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The violence, which left dozens dead, has raised fears that the fragile truce could collapse.

US envoys met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Monday to restore calm and bring both sides back to the peace plan led by US President Donald Trump. The meeting came after a Palestinian attack killed two Israeli soldiers, followed by Israeli airstrikes that killed at least 28 people in Gaza.

Both Israel and Hamas accused each other of breaking the ceasefire but have publicly said they remain committed to the truce. Despite these statements, fighting has continued in parts of Gaza, and many fear the deal could soon fall apart.

Truce Under Threat

The ceasefire, which began a week ago, was seen as a major step toward ending the two-year war in Gaza. However, since Sunday, clashes and airstrikes have shown how fragile the peace remains.

US officials hope to move forward with the next stage of a 20-step peace plan that includes disarming Hamas, reducing Israeli military presence, and setting up a new local government in Gaza. But many key issues remain unsolved, and mistrust between the two sides is growing.

Trump’s Push for Peace

President Trump called the ceasefire “the historic dawn of a new Middle East” last week, and now he is working hard to save it. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said that the US was “taking many steps” to maintain peace between Israel and Hamas.

He said Hamas had broken parts of the agreement but blamed local fighters rather than its main leaders. “They are facing some rebellion inside their ranks,” Trump explained. He also warned that if Hamas leaders could not control the situation, “we’re going to eradicate them if we have to.”

However, Trump made it clear that the United States would not send troops on the ground in Gaza or Israel.

US Envoys in the Region

The US delegation — led by Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and businessman Steve Witkoff — arrived in Israel on Monday. Their goal is to rebuild confidence in the ceasefire and begin talks on the next stage of the peace plan.

US Vice President JD Vance is expected to visit Israel on Tuesday. Netanyahu said he would meet Vance to discuss both the current crisis and wider regional issues, such as future relations between Israel and its Arab neighbors.

The US team will also travel to Egypt to meet Hamas representatives. The talks in Cairo are expected to focus on creating a neutral body to manage Gaza after the war — one that does not include Hamas officials.

A Palestinian source close to the discussions said the new body would be “technocratic,” meaning it would include professionals and administrators, not political leaders. But Hamas has rejected this idea, saying it would not accept any foreign control or governance in Gaza.

Tension Along the ‘Yellow Line’

On Monday, Palestinian medics reported more deaths in Gaza after Israeli tank fire near a newly marked area called the “yellow line.” This line separates the parts of Gaza that Israeli troops have started withdrawing from.

The Israeli army said it fired at militants who crossed that line, which is now being marked with concrete barriers and yellow poles. Residents, however, say the line is confusing because it is not clearly visible.

“The whole area is in ruins,” said Samir, a 50-year-old man from Gaza City’s Tuffah district. “We saw the maps, but we can’t tell where those lines are.”

Return of Hostage Bodies

As the US and Israel discuss the next stage of the peace plan, Israel is waiting for Hamas to return the bodies of more hostages. On Monday, the Red Cross handed over the body of one hostage from Hamas to Israeli forces. Netanyahu’s office said Hamas could return up to five more bodies soon, though others might be hard to find because of destruction in the area.

Israel has said that progress in talks will not be made public until more hostages or remains are returned.

Hamas and Israel Trade Accusations

Hamas claims that Israel has violated the ceasefire multiple times. The group says Israeli strikes have killed at least 46 people since the truce began and that essential aid supplies are not reaching Gaza as promised.

Israel, in turn, says its strikes were in response to attacks from Palestinian militants who crossed agreed boundaries. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warned that anyone found inside the restricted areas of Gaza after the deadline “will be targeted without warning.”

Hamas’ armed wing said it was not aware of the recent clashes in Rafah, where the attack that killed two Israeli soldiers occurred. The group said it had not been in contact with smaller militant factions operating in that area.

Uncertain Future

The latest violence has raised serious doubts about whether the ceasefire can last. While both sides say they want peace, they remain deeply divided over the future of Gaza and the role of Hamas.

For ordinary Palestinians in Gaza, the situation remains desperate. Many families are displaced, living in tents or damaged homes, and fear that more fighting could erupt at any time. “We just want the bombing to stop,” said Laila, a mother of three living near Gaza City. “We have no electricity, no food, and no safety.”