Jerusalem (The Palestine Telegraph Newspaper) - 24
January 2026 – US special envoys have arrived in Israel to hold discussions on
the future governance and reconstruction of Gaza. Sources familiar with the
matter told Reuters the talks focus on post-ceasefire arrangements following
the fragile truce that began in October 2025. The visit occurs as the Gaza
death toll stands at over 71,000, with ongoing humanitarian challenges
including shelter shortages for nearly one million people and food insecurity
affecting six million.
Senior US diplomats landed in Jerusalem on Friday to engage
with Israeli officials on key aspects of Gaza's trajectory after the ceasefire.
The envoys, dispatched by President Donald Trump's administration, aim to
address reconstruction plans, security guarantees, and potential
demilitarisation measures. Reuters reported that sources close to the
negotiations confirmed the agenda includes evaluating compliance with phase one
of the ceasefire agreement, which involved hostage exchanges and increased aid
flows.
Details of the US Delegation and Objectives
Credit: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
The US team comprises special envoys tasked with Middle East policy under the Trump administration, reelected in November 2024. Their itinerary includes meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and security officials. Sources indicated to Reuters that discussions centre on the 'New Gaza' initiative, which proposes rebuilding the territory with modern infrastructure including skyscrapers, as previously outlined by Jared Kushner.
The ceasefire, effective since 11 October 2025, has seen
partial implementation. Phase one provisions required the release of Israeli hostages
in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, alongside a partial Israeli military
withdrawal from Gaza corridors. Humanitarian aid deliveries surged initially,
yet reports from Gaza health authorities note persistent casualties, with 421
to 477 Palestinian deaths recorded during the truce period.
Israeli officials have cited attacks by Palestinian armed
groups as violations, resulting in three soldier fatalities. The Gaza Health Ministry, run by Hamas, reported the overall death toll from the conflict since
October 2023 at approximately 71,386 to 71,654, including recent additions from
rubble recovery and strikes. These figures encompass 171,264 injuries, with
many victims still unrecovered due to access restrictions.
Ceasefire Violations and Casualty Updates
Recent military actions have strained the truce. On
Thursday, Israeli artillery fire in Gaza City's Zeitoun neighbourhood killed
four people, contributing to five total deaths from gunfire that day.
Palestinian factions launched attacks claiming Israeli soldier lives over the
three-month period, prompting responses in eastern Gaza areas.
United Nations reports confirm dire conditions: nearly one
million Gazans lack adequate shelter amid winter conditions, while six million
face severe food insecurity. Debris from 90,000 tons of munitions—equating to
60 million tons of rubble—blocks reconstruction efforts. The US envoys' talks
reportedly address clearing this rubble as a prerequisite for the
skyscraper-led 'New Gaza' vision.
Jared Kushner, instrumental in ceasefire negotiations,
previously stated the US shifted from zoned approaches to a unified success
model. He emphasised no alternative plan exists, linking progress to Hamas
demilitarisation. Israel demands the return of the last deceased Israeli hostage's
body before phase two activation.
Reconstruction Plans Under Discussion
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The 'New Gaza' proposal envisions a transformed territory post-demilitarisation. US plans include enforcing Hamas compliance, with skyscrapers symbolising economic revival. Sources told Reuters the envoys will explore funding mechanisms, international partnerships, and Israeli security assurances.
Gaza health officials reported two bodies received in
hospitals over the past 24 hours—one from injuries, another from rubble—pushing
totals higher. Since the ceasefire, emergency teams retrieved 684 bodies, with
1,184 injuries logged. Hospitals strain under fuel and supply shortages,
hampering care.
The Trump administration views Gaza as pivotal to regional
stability. Parallel efforts include Ukraine security pacts and other diplomatic
initiatives, but Gaza remains prioritised. Israeli sources confirm openness to
US input on governance models excluding Hamas control.
Humanitarian and Security Context
UN assessments detail the crisis: 17 Palestinians killed and
70 injured between 17 and 29 December 2025, plus 47 bodies recovered.
Cumulative tolls include retroactive additions after verification.
Ceasefire-period deaths reached 414 to 449 Palestinians, underscoring
fragility.
Israeli military operations persist in select zones,
justified as responses to violations. Palestinian reports highlight strikes in
Bureij camp and Khan Younis, including a child fatality from an unexploded
device. West Bank violence adds to regional tolls, with raids reported near
Tubas.
The envoys' visit aligns with Trump's directive for decisive
outcomes. Sources note discussions may cover long-term security guarantees,
akin to those pledged to Ukraine's Zelensky. Gaza's 60 million tons of debris
requires massive clearance before building commences.
Stakeholder Positions and Negotiation History
Israel maintains preconditions for phase two: full hostage
returns and demilitarisation proof. Hamas consented to disarmament terms per US
affirmations. Kushner's role evolved from brokering to planning, with events
underscoring munitions impact.
Reuters sources described the talks as exploratory yet
urgent, given rising casualties. Gaza Ministry data lists 69,000 to 71,654
deaths since October 2023, with 240-plus post-ceasefire. Israeli revisions
adjusted their toll to 1,200 from initial 1,400, distinguishing civilians and
fighters.
International media, including BBC and Al Jazeera,
corroborate patterns: ongoing strikes, rubble recoveries, and aid impediments.
The US delegation seeks to advance 'New Gaza' amid these challenges.
Broader Regional Developments
The Jerusalem meetings occur against
Middle East tensions. Hezbollah incidents near Lebanese borders and West Bank
operations feature in briefings. Trump's January 2025 inauguration set a tone
for bold policies, including Gaza overhaul.
UNRWA notes 179 staff among 224 aid worker deaths.
Journalists (248) and academics (120) figure prominently in tolls. OCHA updates
highlight weekly casualty tallies, with one update pending mid-January.
Israeli-Lebanese frontier calm holds post-Hezbollah strikes,
per IDF statements. Gaza remains focal, with envoys poised to relay outcomes to
Washington.
Implications for Phase Two Progress
Credit: ispionline.it
Talks may clarify timelines for Israeli full withdrawal and aid normalisation. Sources indicate Gaza's future governance tops agendas, potentially sidelining Hamas. Reconstruction hinges on debris removal and compliance.
Health ministry warnings note higher true tolls from
inaccessible sites. Winter building collapses added 25 victims. US engagement
underscores commitment to stability.
The delegation's schedule includes site assessments and
stakeholder consultations. Reuters emphasised confidentiality, with outcomes
shaping next steps.