Description: US delegation comprised of Special envoy Steven Witkoff, Trump’s son in law, Jared Kushner and US Vice – President JD Vance departed for Israel to ensure the forwarding of the second stage of the Gaza ceasefire. The officials would initially arrive in Israel and later meet with representatives from Hamas and the mediators camp in Cairo, where negotiations would continue. Vice President Vance and Kushner’s statements ahead of their visit confirmed the complexities of the next phase, especially regarding Hamas’ disarmament and the formation of an international peacekeeping force, sponsored by the Gulf and Arab states. The reconstruction of Gaza was also briefly mentioned by Steven Witkoff, who stated that contracts would be awarded to the most favorable bidders among the European and Gulf state partners as part of the ceasefire agreement. Kushner also mentioned that various countries from the mediating camp were vying for control over the implementation of the stabilization force in the second phase of negotiations. The meetings arrive after abrupt clashes over the weekend between Hamas and Israel tested the credibility of the ceasefire.
Impact: The US is attempting to further legitimize the Gaza ceasefire and ensure its continuity through sending a message of reassurance and restoring the public trust on the both sides by sending the high – level officials. The move signals significant preparedness on the US side to at least ensure the immediate survival of the ceasefire and by association the entire Middle East peace platform. The second phase of the ceasefire would encounter the most difficult challenge in the disarmament of Hamas and the organization’s acceptance of the international stabilization force, yet to be provided by the Arab and Gulf states. The major risk factor currently lies within the lack of control in the enclave where rogue elements and other Palestinian militant organizations are engaged in a power struggle with Hamas. The second phase is expected to be the most complicated and protracted phase of the ceasefire agreement which risks the longevity of the ceasefire since the negotiations would probably prolong indefinitely. Hamas’ disarmament would be contingent on the Gulf and Arab states presenting an acceptable peacekeeping force which would set the basis for establishing a legitimate technocratic government in the Gaza Strip. The US has to enforce and continue to exert pressure on both sides in order to secure the survival of the ceasefire, while the mediators would have to embark on using every diplomatic tool of persuasion to force Hamas to disarm and disengage from a future Gaza government.