What's happened
The White House is sending Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff to Egypt to finalize a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, amid ongoing violence and negotiations over hostage releases. Israeli and Palestinian officials express cautious optimism, with some conditions still unresolved. The story highlights US diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.
What's behind the headline?
The diplomatic efforts by Kushner and Witkoff indicate a strategic US attempt to leverage regional and international support for a ceasefire. The negotiations are complex, involving multiple actors with conflicting interests. The focus on hostage releases and disarmament reflects core issues that will determine the success of the deal. Israel’s temporary halt in bombing and Hamas’s conditional acceptance suggest a fragile window for peace, but unresolved issues like the peacekeeping force and disarmament remain significant hurdles. The US’s role is pivotal, aiming to restore Israel’s global image while managing regional stability. The outcome will likely shape the future of Gaza and broader Middle East diplomacy, with potential for both breakthrough and setbacks.
What the papers say
The Guardian reports that US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are traveling to Egypt to finalize details of a ceasefire and hostage release, emphasizing the US’s active diplomatic role. Gulf News highlights the positive Palestinian response and the ongoing military operations, with Trump’s involvement and regional support from Erdogan. The NY Post underscores Trump’s deadline for Hamas to accept the peace plan, with skepticism from some officials about Hamas’s willingness to disarm or fully comply. All sources agree that negotiations are ongoing, with key issues including hostage releases, disarmament, and the role of international peacekeeping forces. The articles collectively portray a tense but hopeful diplomatic effort, with significant hurdles remaining before a sustainable peace can be achieved.
How we got here
Tensions escalated in Gaza after two years of conflict, with Israel conducting extensive military operations and Hamas holding Israeli hostages. The US has been mediating peace efforts, with recent proposals including ceasefire, hostage releases, and disarmament. The region remains volatile, with international actors seeking a resolution.
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Common question
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What is the US doing to broker a Gaza ceasefire?
The United States is actively involved in diplomatic efforts to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza. With envoys traveling to Egypt to negotiate a ceasefire and hostage releases, many are wondering what specific actions the US is taking, who is involved, and what obstacles remain. Below, we explore the key questions about US diplomacy in Gaza and what it could mean for the region’s future.
More on these topics
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Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
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Jared Corey Kushner is an American investor, real-estate developer, and newspaper publisher who is currently senior advisor to his father-in-law, Donald Trump, the President of the United States.
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Steven Charles Witkoff is an American real estate investor and landlord based in New York City, and founder of the Witkoff Group.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Benjamin Netanyahu is an Israeli politician serving as Prime Minister of Israel since 2009, and previously from 1996 to 1999. Netanyahu is also the Chairman of the Likud – National Liberal Movement.