Kushner, Netanyahu Discuss Second Phase of Gaza Ceasefire as Tensions Simmer

U.S. mediator Jared Kushner met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday to discuss the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, amid fragile calm and persistent accusations of violations from both Israel and Hamas.

Focus on Disarmament and Stabilization

According to Israeli government spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian, the talks focused on “Phase Two” of the plan, which envisions the complete disarmament of Hamas, the demilitarization of Gaza, and the creation of an international stabilization force to oversee the territory’s security and reconstruction.

“Prime Minister Netanyahu and Mr. Kushner discussed ongoing efforts to recover all remaining hostages and ensure that Hamas plays no role in Gaza’s future governance,” Bedrosian said.

Hamas has firmly rejected the idea of surrendering its weapons, calling such demands a “red line.”

Ceasefire Under Strain

The truce, which has held for a month, largely ended open hostilities following the October 2023 Hamas attacks that triggered Israel’s military response. Yet, both sides continue to accuse each other of violating the ceasefire.

Gaza’s health authorities claim over 240 Palestinians have been killed since the truce began, alleging Israeli strikes in several areas. Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qasim accused Israel of “systematically expanding” its control boundaries in northern Gaza and blocking heavy machinery needed to retrieve the remains of Israeli captives trapped under rubble.

Israel, meanwhile, says it has responded to militant activity near restricted zones. On Monday, its military reported killing two gunmen approaching the so-called “Yellow Line”. Netanyahu told the Knesset that Israel would “enforce with an iron fist” any ceasefire breaches and pointed to daily clashes with Hezbollah in Lebanon, where Israel says it has killed 15 militants this month despite a truce reached in November 2024.

Disagreement Over Peacekeeping Force

Plans for an international stabilization force remain uncertain. Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye have been floated as potential contributors, though the United Arab Emirates has expressed reluctance without a “clear operational framework.”

UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash told the Abu Dhabi Strategic Debate Forum that under the current circumstances, “the UAE will probably not participate.”

Türkiye, despite expressing readiness, faces Israeli opposition. “There will be no Turkish boots on the ground,” Bedrosian said, reiterating Netanyahu’s position. Ankara has been one of Israel’s harshest critics, with Turkish prosecutors issuing arrest warrants for Netanyahu and several Israeli officials last week over alleged war crimes.

Humanitarian Struggles Persist

The ceasefire has enabled limited prisoner and hostage exchanges: Hamas has released 20 living hostages and the remains of 24 captives, while Israel has freed nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and returned 315 bodies.

Still, life in Gaza remains dire. Displacement, hunger, and trauma continue to grip the population.
“Life in Gaza is hard,” said Salma Abu Shawish, a resident of Al-Bureij refugee camp. “We try to protect our children from the memories of war, but the fear never ends.”

Outlook

Diplomatic efforts are intensifying to keep the ceasefire from collapsing as discussions over Gaza’s post-war governance and international involvement move forward. The success of “Phase Two” will depend on whether Israel and Hamas — under the guidance of U.S. mediators — can bridge deep mistrust and agree on the territory’s future.