Top U.S. envoys landed in Israel this week to salvage a fragile Gaza ceasefire deal, as fresh violence threatens to derail peace efforts. The diplomatic shuffle comes after weekend clashes saw Israeli strikes kill dozens in Gaza and Hamas accused of violating the truce. 🕊️💔
Border Crossings & Bombshells
Israel reopened the Kerem Shalom border crossing for aid shipments Monday, days after closing it following the deaths of two soldiers. But retaliatory strikes by Israel – and Hamas’ denial of wrongdoing – left Gaza residents fearing a return to full-scale conflict. "Blood has returned again," said 29-year-old Abdullah Abu Hasanin, describing scenes in central Gaza.
Trump Team’s Tightrope Walk
U.S. President Donald Trump doubled down on his administration’s role, stating: "It’s going to be handled toughly, but properly." His envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived for urgent talks, balancing humanitarian concerns with Israel’s security demands. Meanwhile, Gaza hospitals reported 45 deaths from Sunday’s strikes alone – numbers Israel says it’s "looking into." 🏥⚠️
Ceasefire on Life Support?
The October 10 truce halted two years of war and outlined prisoner swaps plus Gaza’s reconstruction. But with both sides trading blame and Rafah clashes erupting, locals like Abu Hasanin lament: "The occupation respects nothing – not an agreement, not anything." As envoys work behind closed doors, one question looms: Can this deal survive the trust deficit? 🤝💥
