U.S. envoys met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday in a renewed diplomatic push to stabilize the Gaza ceasefire, following a weekend of deadly violence that risked derailing the fragile, week-old truce between Israel and Hamas.
Both sides have since reaffirmed their commitment to the ceasefire plan brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump, despite Sunday’s escalation a Palestinian attack that killed two Israeli soldiers and an Israeli airstrike that left at least 28 people dead in Gaza.
The renewed hostilities highlight the fragility of the peace process, with repeated violations threatening to undermine early progress. Key issues including Hamas’ disarmament, Israeli troop withdrawals, and the future governance of Gaza remain unresolved, casting uncertainty over whether Washington can maintain momentum toward a lasting settlement.
U.S. Diplomatic Efforts Intensify
Determined to protect what he has called a major foreign policy milestone, President Trump emphasized on Monday that the U.S. was taking “many steps” to preserve the ceasefire. Speaking to reporters, he said Hamas appeared to be struggling with internal divisions and warned that if its leadership failed to regain control, “we’re going to eradicate them if we have to” though he stressed no U.S. ground troops would be deployed.
In Jerusalem, Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with Israeli leaders to reinforce the truce and initiate talks on the next phase of the 20-step peace plan. U.S. Vice President JD Vance is expected to arrive on Tuesday for further discussions with Netanyahu on regional stability and opportunities arising from the ceasefire framework.
The White House confirmed that additional meetings with Hamas officials in Cairo were scheduled later on Monday, signaling Washington’s high-level engagement in what Trump has described as “the historic dawn of a new Middle East.”
Tensions Along the “Yellow Line”
Despite diplomatic efforts, clashes persisted along Gaza’s “yellow line,” marking Israel’s initial troop pullback zone. Palestinian medics reported three fatalities from Israeli tank fire on Monday, while the Israeli military claimed it was targeting militants who had crossed into restricted territory.
Residents in Gaza City said the absence of clear boundaries has created confusion and danger. “The whole area is in ruins. We saw the maps, but we can’t tell where those lines are,” said Samir, a resident of Tuffah district.
Hostage Remains Returned Amid Cautious Talks
The visit by Witkoff and Kushner had been planned before the weekend escalation. However, Israel is unlikely to announce any progress in the talks until more hostages’ remains are recovered. On Monday, the Red Cross transferred the body of another hostage from Hamas to Israeli authorities, with officials saying up to five more could be handed over soon.
In parallel, Egypt hosted a new round of discussions in Cairo with Khalil Al-Hayya, Hamas’ exiled Gaza leader, focusing on how to implement the ceasefire’s next stages. A Palestinian official said the talks included proposals for a technocratic governing body to administer Gaza an idea Hamas has resisted, rejecting any foreign-led administration or disarmament conditions.
Fear and Uncertainty Among Gaza Residents
The latest Israeli strikes followed a Palestinian attack in Rafah, which killed two soldiers within the ceasefire’s designated boundary. Hamas denied direct involvement, claiming it had lost contact with groups in the area.
Hamas also accused Israel of multiple ceasefire violations, saying 46 Palestinians had been killed since the truce began and that humanitarian aid deliveries remained restricted. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz warned that any Hamas fighters found within Israeli-controlled zones must “leave immediately,” adding that anyone remaining beyond the yellow line would be targeted without warning.
As both sides brace for further tension, U.S. diplomats face an uphill battle to prevent the fragile agreement from collapsing and to keep hopes for a lasting peace in Gaza alive.
