US Envoys Witkoff Kushner Support Fragile Gaza Ceasefire Amid Renewed Violence

Senior U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, key figures behind President Trump's 2025 peace deal between Israel and Hamas, have returned to Israel to help stabilize a fragile ceasefire in Gaza that has faced recent violent flareups. After deadly exchanges where two Israeli soldiers were killed and Israeli strikes caused dozens of Palestinian casualties, both Israel and Hamas reaffirmed their commitment to the ceasefire, though tensions remain high. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Witkoff and Kushner to discuss the situation, with U.S. Vice President JD Vance also scheduled to visit, underscoring the high priority the Trump administration places on maintaining the ceasefire. The envoys' visit aims to reinforce the current truce and initiate the next phase of the 20-step peace plan, while Hamas representatives concurrently engage with mediators in Egypt. Despite the ceasefire's fragility, President Trump has stated the situation will be handled firmly but properly, signaling ongoing U.S. diplomatic efforts to prevent a return to full-scale conflict.