Middle East: US Envoys Visit Israel as Gaza Ceasefire Falters

Israeli Prime Minister Meets with US Envoys Amid Gaza Ceasefire Tensions

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has met with top US envoys, including Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, following recent violence in the Gaza Strip. The discussions aim to restore a fragile ceasefire brokered by Washington. This meeting comes as both Israel and Hamas accuse each other of violating the truce, raising concerns about the stability of the agreement.

Israeli PM Netanyahu meets top US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner

Red Cross Arrives to Collect Body of Israeli Hostage in Gaza

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have confirmed that the Red Cross is en route to a meeting point in southern Gaza, where it will receive a coffin containing the body of a deceased hostage. The military urged the public to exercise sensitivity and wait for official identification, which will be provided to the families first.

Netanyahu Meets with US Envoys Amid Ceasefire Concerns

Following weekend violence that threatened to derail the US-brokered ceasefire, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. According to Netanyahu’s spokeswoman, Shosh Bedrosian, the talks focused on regional developments and updates. She also mentioned that US Vice President JD Vance and his wife are expected to visit Israel for a few days and meet with the prime minister.

Khamenei Dismisses Trump’s Claims About Iran’s Nuclear Facilities

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, dismissed US President Donald Trump’s claim that American and Israeli airstrikes in June destroyed Iran’s nuclear facilities, calling it a “dream.” He criticized Trump’s statements, saying, “What does it have to do with America whether Iran has nuclear facilities or not? These interventions are inappropriate, wrong and coercive.”

Khamenei also rejected Trump’s call for negotiations, stating that any deal must not involve coercion. The two nations had previously held indirect nuclear talks through Oman, but these broke off after an Israeli attack on Iran in June.

Hamas to Return Body of Israeli Hostage Under Ceasefire Deal

Hamas has announced its intention to return the body of an Israeli hostage recovered earlier in the week as part of the ceasefire agreement. The Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades stated it would hand over the body at 8 pm Gaza time on Monday. If completed, this transfer would mark the 13th deceased hostage returned by Hamas since the ceasefire began on October 10.

Top US Envoys Arrive in Israel to Push for Truce

US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and adviser Jared Kushner arrived in Israel to work on advancing the truce in Gaza. In an interview with CBS News, Kushner emphasized the need for integration between Israel and the broader Middle East, highlighting the importance of helping the Palestinian people thrive. He also spoke about the need for joint security and economic opportunities to ensure peaceful coexistence.

ZDF Partner Office in Gaza Hit by Rocket Attack

German public broadcaster ZDF reported that an employee of a production company it was working with was killed in a rocket attack on Sunday. The 37-year-old engineer, along with the eight-year-old son of another employee, were killed when the office of Palestine Media Production in southern Gaza was struck. A third staff member was injured, and several vehicles were destroyed. ZDF expressed deep condolences to the victims’ families.

Police Ban on Tel Aviv Football Derby Sparks Backlash

A police ban on the Tel Aviv football derby sparked anger from teams and political critics. The match between Hapoel Tel Aviv and Maccabi Tel Aviv was canceled due to “public disorder and violent riots,” according to Israel Police. Hapoel blamed law enforcement for the chaos, criticizing the harsh treatment of fans. Opposition leader Yair Lapid also criticized the far-right interior minister for failing to manage the event.

Trump Says Ceasefire Still Holds After Gaza Fighting

US President Donald Trump affirmed that the ceasefire was still in effect despite deadly airstrikes and the halt of aid to Gaza. He claimed that Israeli troops came under fire from Hamas. Two Israeli soldiers were killed, and dozens of Palestinians died in the clashes. Trump said he was unsure if the Israeli strikes were justified and added that the administration would handle the situation “toughly but properly.”

Aid to Gaza Set to Resume

Humanitarian aid to Gaza is set to resume, according to Israeli security sources. The lack of access to proper nutrition and medicine has worsened the death toll in Gaza, which the Gaza Health Ministry reports as at least 70,000, most of them civilians. Israel halted aid to the territory on Sunday after accusing Hamas of violating the truce by firing on its soldiers. It remains unclear whether the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt will reopen.

International Pressure on Both Sides to Stick to Ceasefire

Despite deadly clashes on Sunday, both Israel and Hamas claim to remain committed to the ceasefire, which aims to end more than two years of war. The Israeli military stated it hit Hamas targets across the territory after militants fired an anti-tank missile at its troops, killing two soldiers. Local residents and health officials reported at least 26 Palestinians killed in the strikes. Trump reiterated his belief that the ceasefire is holding and expressed hope for a peaceful resolution.