UPDATE: US envoys have just arrived in Israel as violence erupts once again in Gaza, threatening the fragile ceasefire established since October 10, 2023. The arrival of Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and adviser Jared Kushner comes on the heels of a weekend marked by deadly clashes that left at least 45 people dead in Gaza, according to local authorities.
In a crucial development, the Kerem Shalom border crossing has reopened for aid shipments, after being temporarily closed on Sunday following the tragic killing of two Israeli soldiers. As tensions rise, the Israeli military has conducted multiple airstrikes across Gaza, accusing Hamas of a “blatant violation” of the ceasefire. Both sides, however, insist they are committed to maintaining peace, with US President Donald Trump affirming that, as far as he is concerned, the ceasefire still stands.
“We want to make sure that it’s going to be very peaceful with Hamas,” Trump stated. “It’s going to be handled toughly, but properly.” This latest round of violence has raised urgent questions about the future of the ceasefire and the complex roadmap for peace in the region.
Palestinian witnesses report that clashes have erupted in southern Gaza, particularly in the city of Rafah. Abdullah Abu Hasanin, a local resident from Al-Bureij camp, described the scene as “indescribable,” stating, “We had hoped the agreement would hold, but the occupation respects nothing.” His words reflect the deep frustration felt by many in the region as violence resurfaces.
The health ministry in Gaza reports that Israeli airstrikes on Sunday alone resulted in 45 casualties, including women and children. Images from the area depict chaos, with civilians fleeing and wounded individuals being rushed to hospitals. Media restrictions and access limitations complicate independent verification of these figures, but the humanitarian impact is clear.
In response to the escalating situation, US Vice President JD Vance called on Gulf Arab nations to implement a “security infrastructure” aimed at disarming Hamas—a key component of the ongoing peace negotiations.
Under Trump’s 20-point plan, Israeli forces have retreated beyond the so-called Yellow Line, but they continue to engage with Gazans approaching these positions, often with deadly force. Videos shared by the Israeli defense ministry show troops placing concrete blocks to delineate this new frontier within Gaza, leaving Israeli forces in control of roughly half of the territory.
Despite the violence, Hamas has begun the process of returning the bodies of deceased individuals to their families, with 20 surviving hostages released. Israel has also returned the bodies of 15 Palestinians on Sunday, bringing the total returned to 150, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
The ongoing conflict, which escalated following Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023, has resulted in a staggering 68,159 deaths in Gaza, according to local health officials. The UN has deemed these figures credible, highlighting the tragic toll on civilians, with many of the deceased being women and children.
As the situation develops, all eyes are on the US envoys as they engage in talks aimed at stabilizing the ceasefire. The coming hours and days will be critical in determining whether peace can be restored or if the cycle of violence will continue. Stay tuned for further updates on this urgent situation.
