U.S. envoys met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, working to rescue a fragile Gaza ceasefire following a surge in violence that threatened to derail the week-old truce. Both Israel and Hamas reaffirmed their commitment to the ceasefire, brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump, after a deadly weekend that left two Israeli soldiers and at least 28 Palestinians dead. Despite the renewed pledges, ongoing clashes have cast doubt on the stability of the agreement and Washington’s ability to maintain peace momentum in the region.
President Trump said the U.S. is taking “many steps” to sustain the ceasefire, describing internal Hamas divisions as a key challenge. He warned that if Hamas leaders fail to restore control, “we’re going to eradicate them if we have to,” but emphasized that no U.S. troops would be deployed on the ground.
Envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Israel to reinforce the truce and initiate discussions on the next phase of Trump’s 20-step peace plan. U.S. Vice President JD Vance is also scheduled to meet Netanyahu to discuss regional issues. High-level U.S. diplomacy in both Israel and Egypt underscores the White House’s determination to cement what Trump called “the historic dawn of a new Middle East.”
Meanwhile, Gaza residents reported confusion and destruction near the newly established “yellow line,” marking Israel’s troop pullback zones. Palestinian officials confirmed Hamas would hand over another hostage’s body, with several more expected to follow. However, Hamas’ refusal to disarm and its opposition to a foreign administration of Gaza remain major hurdles.
As Egypt mediates with Hamas leaders in Cairo, fears of renewed violence persist. Israel continues to warn that any militants crossing beyond the yellow line will be targeted without warning, threatening to reignite the conflict despite ongoing ceasefire efforts.