Jared Kushner, serving as an envoy and son-in-law to former U.S. President Donald Trump, engaged in discussions with Khalil al-Hayya, the political leader of Hamas, in Egypt on Sunday. This meeting marks a renewed diplomatic effort by the United States to breathe life into a stalled ceasefire plan for Gaza. Kushner’s diplomatic mission precedes a scheduled meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has recently turned down a U.S.-endorsed 15-point road map aimed at advancing the ceasefire process.
The proposed plan outlines a gradual disarmament of Hamas, coupled with an Israeli military halt and withdrawal from specific areas in Gaza. It also includes initiatives for rebuilding Gaza and deploying international forces to ensure security. While Hamas has expressed its commitment to the roadmap, it insists that Israel must cease its attacks and withdraw to the agreed “yellow line” before any implementation begins. Additionally, Hamas has tied the surrender of its heavier weaponry to tangible progress towards establishing a Palestinian state, a proposal Netanyahu’s government firmly opposes.
Netanyahu has maintained that a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza is contingent upon the full disarmament of Hamas, a sticking point that has hindered the advancement of critical ceasefire aspects, such as reconstruction and the deployment of international forces. Kushner’s dialogue with Hamas included participation from representatives of Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, aiming to solidify Hamas’s commitment, especially concerning disarmament, before his upcoming talks with Netanyahu.
Accompanying Kushner in discussions with Netanyahu will be former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Nickolay Mladenov, director of the Board of Peace. The diplomatic initiative occurs against the backdrop of criticism from several regional nations, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Pakistan, and Indonesia, who have voiced disapproval of Israel’s dismissal of the U.S.-backed road map and are calling for urgent measures to avoid further delay.
This renewed diplomatic engagement unfolds as Netanyahu navigates political pressures ahead of Israel’s October elections. His governing coalition comprises ministers advocating for a more stringent stance towards Gaza, casting uncertainty over the future of the ceasefire plan.