US Envoys Visit Israel to Support Ceasefire Amid Ongoing Tensions in Gaza

US envoys travel to Israel to reinforce the ceasefire in Gaza following recent violence. Aid deliveries resume as a hostage's remains are returned, highlighting ongoing tensions.

Two envoys from the United States visited Israel on Monday to reinforce the ceasefire in Gaza. This visit followed a day of violence that tested the fragile truce. The ceasefire seemed stable as Israel received another hostage's remains and resumed aid deliveries to Gaza. However, the United Nations did not specify the amount of aid entering the region.

On Sunday, Israel had threatened to stop humanitarian aid shipments after accusing Hamas of killing two soldiers. Israeli forces responded with strikes across Gaza, resulting in dozens of Palestinian deaths. Later, Israel confirmed it was upholding the ceasefire. US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss regional developments.

US Involvement and Ceasefire Challenges

US Vice President JD Vance and Usha Vance are set to meet Netanyahu on Tuesday. Netanyahu warned Hamas that any attacks would incur "a very heavy price." President Trump expressed hope for reduced violence, blaming Hamas for any disruptions. "They have to be good, and if they’re not good they’ll be eradicated," he stated.

The ceasefire, proposed by the US to end two years of conflict, began on October 10. On Sunday, Trump mentioned that Hamas had been involved in some shooting incidents. He suggested internal "rebels" might be responsible for the violence. Meanwhile, Hamas security forces clashed with armed groups in Gaza, aiming to restore order where Israeli troops had withdrawn.

Ongoing Tensions and Future Plans

Israeli military reported militants firing at troops in Rafah city on Sunday. Retaliatory strikes by Israel killed 45 people in Gaza, according to its Health Ministry. Since the ceasefire began, 80 people have died. Israel is using barriers to mark the yellow line in Gaza more clearly, where troops have withdrawn but violence persists.

Hamas accused Israel of violating the ceasefire multiple times. They claimed communication with units in Rafah was cut off for months, stating they were not responsible for incidents there. Under the ceasefire terms, Israel awaits the return of 15 hostages' remains from Hamas; 13 have been returned so far.

Ceasefire's Next Phase and Humanitarian Concerns

The next phase of the ceasefire aims to disarm Hamas and facilitate Israeli withdrawal from more areas in Gaza. The US plan suggests creating an internationally supported authority for future governance. Jared Kushner told CBS that success depends on establishing a viable alternative to Hamas: "If they are successful, Hamas will fail."

A Hamas delegation led by Khalil al-Hayya is in Cairo discussing ceasefire implementation with mediators and other Palestinian groups. Palestinians fear the deal might collapse as funerals were held for those killed by Israeli strikes. Hossam Ahmed from Khan Younis expressed concerns about unresolved issues.

Humanitarian Aid and Casualty Figures

A major concern is how much aid Israel allows into Gaza. Mediators are working to open the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza to increase aid delivery. Qatar's Minister of State for International Cooperation emphasised its importance for life-saving aid.

The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants attacked Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. According to Gaza's Health Ministry, over 68,000 Palestinians have died since then. The ministry's casualty records are considered reliable by UN agencies despite Israeli disputes without providing its own figures.

With inputs from PTI