Jared Kushner Returns to Israel as Gaza Ceasefire Talks Stall

US President Donald Trump’s envoy and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, has returned to Israel as efforts to push forward the Gaza ceasefire negotiations face fresh obstacles. The talks, aimed at moving into a second and more complex phase of the truce, are now clouded by disagreements over Hamas’s disarmament, Gaza’s reconstruction, and the deployment of an international peacekeeping force.

Kushner met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Monday to review progress on the initial stage of the ceasefire agreement. An Israeli government spokeswoman confirmed that discussions focused on “phase one, which we are currently still in, to bring home remaining hostages,” and also addressed “phase two — disarming Hamas, demilitarizing Gaza, and ensuring Hamas will have no role in Gaza’s future governance.”

Stumbling Blocks in the Ceasefire Deal

Despite weeks of mediation, key sticking points remain unresolved. Hamas has refused to lay down its arms unless a Palestinian state is established, while Israel insists on the group’s complete disarmament before any political transition or reconstruction can take place.

Adding to the complexity, reports indicate that hundreds of Hamas fighters remain trapped in tunnels beneath Rafah, within the area controlled by Israeli forces. US special envoy Steve Witkoff suggested last week that Washington may consider an amnesty offer for militants who surrender — a move he described as a potential “model” for future reconciliation across Gaza. However, Israel has so far dismissed Hamas’s demand for safe passage.

Phase One Progress and Challenges

The first phase of the ceasefire, which took effect last month, achieved partial success — halting most large-scale hostilities and allowing limited humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza. Israel released 250 Palestinian prisoners and 1,718 detainees held without charge, along with the remains of over 300 Palestinians. In exchange, Hamas freed 20 hostages alive and returned 24 bodies of captives, though four remain in Gaza.

Both sides have since accused each other of violating the truce. Hamas claims Israel has continued limited strikes that killed over 200 Palestinians, while Israel alleges Hamas has delayed the release of hostage remains and blocked aid deliveries.

The Future of Gaza at a Crossroads

The Israeli military currently controls over half of Gaza’s territory, with plans for further withdrawals tied to progress in negotiations. Yet, as talks drag on, diplomatic sources warn of a looming de facto partition — with Israel administering one zone and Hamas maintaining control over the other.

Arab nations have voiced growing concern that this separation could solidify into a permanent division of Gaza, undermining regional stability. Moreover, the Trump administration’s plan — which notably excludes any path to Palestinian statehood — continues to draw criticism from international observers.

With countries hesitant to commit troops to an undefined multinational force, and Israel rejecting any role for the Palestinian Authority in Gaza’s governance, the path toward lasting peace remains uncertain.

As Kushner resumes shuttle diplomacy, analysts say meaningful progress will require significant compromises on both sides — and a clear, unified vision for Gaza’s political and humanitarian future.