Gaza Border Tensions Persist as Ceasefire Talks Hit Impasse
Tensions remain high along the Israel-Gaza border after deadly airstrikes, with US envoy Jared Kushner urging Netanyahu to reduce attacks as ceasefire talks stall.
Tensions remained high along the Israeli-Gaza border on Sunday, with smoke rising over the enclave's ruins following a week of deadly airstrikes. The renewed violence has cast doubt on whether new US efforts can salvage a tenuous ceasefire in the Palestinian territory.
US negotiator Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's son-in-law, held a marathon meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, urging the Israeli leader to scale back attacks on Gaza, according to a person familiar with the meeting who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Trump's initial ceasefire plan outlined a broad vision for ending Hamas' rule in Gaza and rebuilding the territory, much of which has been reduced to rubble during the conflict. However, since last fall, major sticking points have emerged over the sequencing of Hamas' disarmament and Israel's withdrawal.
Earlier this month, Trump announced that Hamas had agreed to disarm. But Hamas said it would begin disarming only if Israel halts strikes and withdraws, adding that laying down heavy weapons would come later and be contingent on the creation of a Palestinian state — something Israel's government rejects.
Netanyahu has pushed back on the deal, insisting Israel won't withdraw from its current lines in Gaza until Hamas has completely disarmed. The standoff leaves the ceasefire in a precarious position as violence continues along the border.