Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of Donald Trump and a key envoy, engaged in talks with Hamas political leader Khalil al-Hayya in Egypt on Sunday as part of a renewed diplomatic push by the United States to jumpstart a stalled ceasefire plan for Gaza. This encounter preceded Kushner’s scheduled meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has recently dismissed a U.S.-supported 15-point strategy intended for the next stage of the ceasefire. The proposal outlines a gradual disarmament of Hamas while calling for Israel to cease military actions and pull back from segments of Gaza, coupled with plans for reconstruction and the deployment of international troops to ensure security.
Hamas has indicated its commitment to the proposed plan but insists that Israel must first halt its attacks and retreat to the designated “yellow line” before the plan’s execution. Additionally, Hamas has tied the relinquishment of heavier weapons to advancements toward establishing a Palestinian state, a notion that Netanyahu’s administration opposes. Netanyahu, on his part, maintains that Israeli troops will not completely withdraw from Gaza until Hamas is fully disarmed. This impasse has led to delays in crucial aspects of the ceasefire plan, such as reconstruction efforts and the stationing of international forces.
The meeting between Kushner and Hamas was attended by representatives from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, focusing on securing Hamas’s commitment to the plan, particularly regarding disarmament, prior to Kushner’s dialogue with Netanyahu. Alongside former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Board of Peace director Nickolay Mladenov, Kushner is expected to meet Netanyahu to further discuss the ceasefire plan.
Several regional nations, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Pakistan, and Indonesia, have expressed criticism towards Israel’s rejection of the U.S.-endorsed roadmap, advocating for urgent measures to prevent further delays. This revitalized diplomatic effort coincides with Netanyahu confronting political pressure ahead of Israel’s October election. His governing coalition features ministers who favor a more stringent stance on Gaza, casting uncertainty over the ceasefire plan’s future.