In a bid to revive a stalled Gaza ceasefire plan, Jared Kushner, son-in-law and envoy of Donald Trump, held talks with Hamas political chief Khalil al-Hayya in Egypt on Sunday. This diplomatic engagement is part of a renewed U.S. effort to address ongoing tensions in the region. The meeting notably precedes Kushner’s scheduled discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has recently declined a U.S.-endorsed 15-point plan for advancing the ceasefire process.
The proposed plan outlines a gradual disarmament of Hamas, alongside a cessation of Israeli military operations and a partial withdrawal from Gaza. It also includes initiatives for the reconstruction of the region and the introduction of international forces to maintain security. While Hamas has expressed its willingness to adhere to this road map, it demands that Israel first halt its military activities and retreat to the designated “yellow line” before the plan’s implementation. Additionally, Hamas has tied the relinquishment of its heavier weaponry to tangible progress towards establishing a Palestinian state, a concept opposed by Netanyahu’s administration.
Netanyahu, on the other hand, has maintained that a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza is contingent upon the complete disarmament of Hamas. This impasse has delayed critical components of the ceasefire plan, including rebuilding efforts and the deployment of international peacekeeping forces. Kushner’s meeting with Hamas, attended by representatives from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, aimed to solidify Hamas’s commitment to the disarmament aspect of the plan before Kushner’s subsequent meeting with Netanyahu.
Alongside Netanyahu, Kushner is expected to be joined by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Board of Peace director Nickolay Mladenov in further discussions. The U.S.-backed road map has faced criticism from several regional nations, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Pakistan, and Indonesia, who have urged Israel to reconsider its stance to prevent additional delays.
This diplomatic initiative occurs as Netanyahu contends with mounting political pressure in the lead-up to Israel’s October election. His governing coalition contains members advocating for a more assertive approach towards Gaza, casting uncertainty over the future of the ceasefire plan.