What's happened
Jared Kushner met with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu in Jerusalem to discuss the ongoing Gaza ceasefire, focusing on disarmament, security arrangements, and governance. The talks follow a US-brokered truce that has partially halted two years of Israeli bombardment and ongoing conflict, with key issues including Hamas disarmament and the future of Gaza's governance.
What's behind the headline?
The recent meetings highlight the US's ongoing efforts to shape Gaza's post-conflict governance and security landscape. Kushner's involvement signals continued US influence, aiming to implement Trump's 20-point peace plan. The focus on disarmament and international forces underscores the complexity of stabilizing Gaza, especially given Hamas's firm stance on weapons retention. The potential deployment of a UN-mandated stabilization force faces regional resistance, notably from the UAE, which questions the clarity of the force's framework. The negotiations over Hamas fighters in tunnels and the future of Gaza's governance are critical; failure to resolve these could jeopardize the ceasefire and lead to renewed conflict. The broader geopolitical context involves US-Israel coordination, regional diplomacy, and the delicate balance of power in the Middle East, with implications for future peace efforts and regional stability.
What the papers say
Al Jazeera reports that Kushner and Netanyahu discussed Hamas disarmament, Gaza demilitarization, and future governance, emphasizing the contentious issues of Hamas's weapons and the presence of fighters in tunnels. Sky News highlights Kushner's ongoing efforts to facilitate the ceasefire, including hostage exchanges and the deployment of international security forces, with details on the challenges of disarming Hamas and establishing a transitional government. The Times of Israel provides insight into the US-Israel negotiations over Hamas fighters in tunnels, the return of Israeli remains, and the potential for an international stabilization force, noting regional hesitations and the complex diplomatic landscape. These sources collectively illustrate the high-stakes diplomacy and regional tensions shaping Gaza's fragile ceasefire and future stability.
How we got here
The current ceasefire in Gaza began on October 10, after intense conflict that resulted in over 69,000 Palestinian deaths and the capture of Israeli hostages. The US and regional powers pushed for a truce, which included humanitarian aid and hostage exchanges. The plan for Gaza's future involves disarmament, international security forces, and a transitional government excluding Hamas, but disagreements persist over key issues like Hamas disarmament and the safe passage of Hamas fighters trapped in tunnels.
Go deeper
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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.
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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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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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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.