Jared Kushner, advisor and son-in-law to former President Donald Trump, engaged in discussions with Khalil al-Hayya, the political leader of Hamas, in Egypt on Sunday. This meeting marked part of a renewed U.S. diplomatic initiative aimed at reigniting a stalled ceasefire plan in Gaza. The encounter preceded Kushner’s scheduled talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who recently turned down a U.S.-endorsed 15-point proposal for advancing the ceasefire. The plan seeks the gradual disarmament of Hamas, with Israel ceasing military actions and withdrawing from certain areas in Gaza. It also outlines reconstruction efforts and the introduction of international forces to support security.
While Hamas has expressed commitment to the road map, it demands that Israel halt its attacks and retreat to an agreed “yellow line” prior to the plan’s activation. Additionally, Hamas has tied the relinquishment of its heavier weaponry to progress toward establishing a Palestinian state, a notion that Netanyahu’s administration opposes. Conversely, Netanyahu maintains that Israeli troops will not fully exit Gaza until Hamas is completely disarmed, creating a stalemate that hinders crucial elements of the ceasefire plan, including rebuilding efforts and the deployment of international forces.
During the meeting with Hamas, Kushner was joined by representatives from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey. The discussions focused on securing Hamas’s agreement to the plan, particularly concerning disarmament, ahead of Kushner’s engagement with Netanyahu. Furthermore, Kushner is anticipated to meet with Netanyahu alongside former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Nickolay Mladenov, the director of the Board of Peace.
The U.S.-backed road map has faced criticism from several regional nations, such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Pakistan, and Indonesia, who have condemned Israel’s rejection of the plan and called for swift action to prevent further delays. This diplomatic push comes at a time when Netanyahu is under political pressure ahead of Israel’s October election. His coalition, which includes ministers favoring a more stringent approach to Gaza, adds further uncertainty to the future of the ceasefire plan.