Jared Kushner, serving as an envoy and son-in-law to Donald Trump, engaged in diplomatic talks with Khalil al-Hayya, the political leader of Hamas, in Egypt on Sunday. This meeting was part of a renewed U.S. effort to advance a stalled ceasefire agreement in Gaza. The diplomatic mission coincided with Kushner’s scheduled meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has recently dismissed a U.S.-endorsed 15-point plan designed to guide the next steps of the ceasefire.
The proposed plan envisions Hamas gradually relinquishing its arsenal while Israel ceases military actions and withdraws from designated areas of Gaza. Integral to this proposal are reconstruction efforts and the deployment of international forces tasked with maintaining regional security. Hamas has expressed its commitment to this road map but insists on an Israeli halt to attacks and a withdrawal to the previously agreed “yellow line” before the plan’s execution. Furthermore, Hamas has tied the disarmament of its heavier weaponry to progress toward establishing a Palestinian state, a concept opposed by Netanyahu’s administration.
Netanyahu has maintained that a full Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza hinges on the complete disarmament of Hamas. This disagreement has led to a stalemate in crucial aspects of the ceasefire plan, including rebuilding efforts and the introduction of international security forces. Kushner’s discussions with Hamas were also attended by representatives from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, aiming to secure Hamas’s agreement, especially concerning disarmament, before his meeting with Netanyahu.
In addition to his discussions with Netanyahu, Kushner is set to meet alongside former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Nickolay Mladenov, director of the Board of Peace. The road map’s rejection by Israel has faced criticism from several regional nations, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Pakistan, and Indonesia, all urging immediate action to avoid further delays in peace efforts.
The renewed diplomatic initiative occurs as Netanyahu faces mounting political pressure ahead of Israel’s October election. His ruling coalition includes ministers advocating for a more aggressive stance towards Gaza, casting uncertainty over the ceasefire plan’s future. As the election looms, navigating these complex diplomatic waters remains a critical challenge for Netanyahu’s government.