Kushner Meets Hamas Leader in Push for Gaza Peace
US envoy Jared Kushner has met with Hamas's new leader in Egypt, according to sources familiar with the talks, in a renewed effort to revive a Gaza peace plan that Israel has rejected. The meeting marks another step in Washington's increasingly direct engagement with the group it once refused to contact.
Two weeks after Hamas endorsed the latest stage of President Trump's Gaza plan by agreeing to hand over weapons to a new governing committee, Kushner pressed for verifiable disarmament, a key demand of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. One source, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the talks, said Kushner called for concrete, verifiable steps and relayed a message that Gaza can never again be a source of terror for Israel.
First Trip for New Hamas Leader
Hamas chief Khalil al-Hayya participated in the discussions in the Egyptian Mediterranean city of El-Alamein, making his first trip since assuming leadership of the group in July. Soon after taking the helm, Hamas backed the disarmament plan, a move some observers believe was tactical, knowing Israel would say no. In the talks with Kushner, Hamas again voiced its commitment to the agreement, another source with knowledge of the talks said.
A picture released by host Egypt did not include al-Hayya but showed Kushner at a table alongside other members of Trump's so-called Board of Peace, including former British prime minister Tony Blair. Qatar and Turkey, key mediators alongside Egypt, also joined the discussions.
US Shift in Approach
The United States for years refused contact with Hamas, which it classifies as a terrorist organisation and which led the 7 October 2023 attack on Israel that sparked the Gaza war. But the Trump administration has increasingly been comfortable with direct contact in hopes of ending the devastating conflict, negotiating the October ceasefire agreement that led to the release of remaining Israeli hostages. Kushner on Monday will see Netanyahu, a longtime hawk who faces a tough re-election fight in October.
Muslim States Press Israel
The three regional mediator countries and five fellow Muslim nations, including Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan and Indonesia, have condemned Israel's rejection of the plan. In a joint statement, they said Israel bears direct and full responsibility for obstructing peace, adding its refusal directly threatens to derail extensive efforts by Trump.
In response, Netanyahu's Likud Party charged that the Arab countries want to bring down the prime minister in the election. The inclusion of the United Arab Emirates is significant, as it normalised relations with Israel five years ago, kickstarting an economic and strategic relationship that Netanyahu considers a key achievement.
Netanyahu expressed opposition to the US plan even after he was assured by Nickolay Mladenov, the Board of Peace's high representative for Gaza, that Israel would not need to pull troops out of the war-battered territory until complete disarmament by Hamas. The board had initially said Israel would start a phased withdrawal in tandem with Hamas's disarmament.
Israel Keeps Up Strikes
Israel has resumed airstrikes in Gaza after a lull following Trump's promotion of the peace plan, though the October ceasefire had never fully halted the violence in the Strip. Several people were injured after Israeli aircraft targeted a house west of Nuseirat, said Mahmoud Bassal, spokesman for Gaza's civil defence agency, which serves as a rescue service under Hamas.
The Israeli military said it was responding to a threat by Islamic Jihad militants and that it tried to mitigate civilian casualties. The terrorists advanced terror attacks and were struck in precise aerial strikes to remove the threat, it said.
Several others were injured after Israeli forces opened fire on tents housing displaced people west of Khan Yunis, where separately the body of a child, Suhail Shallouf, was recovered after he was killed by Israeli fire on Saturday, the civil defence agency said. Israeli operations have killed at least 1,262 Palestinians since the ceasefire came into effect on 10 October, according to figures by Gaza's health ministry, which is under Hamas. Its figures are considered reliable by the United Nations. The Israeli army has reported five deaths in its ranks during the same period.
What Happens Next?
The coming weeks will be crucial. With Netanyahu facing an election and Arab states pressing for a deal, the question is whether Israel will accept a plan that requires it to eventually withdraw troops from Gaza. For the people of Gaza, the stakes could not be higher, as the violence continues despite the ceasefire agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Kushner meet with Hamas directly?
The Trump administration has shifted from a policy of refusing contact with Hamas to direct engagement, hoping to end the devastating conflict and secure the release of remaining Israeli hostages. Kushner's meeting with Hamas's new leader is part of this broader strategy to revive the Gaza peace plan.
What is the Gaza peace plan?
The plan, promoted by President Trump, involves Hamas handing over weapons to a new governing committee in exchange for a phased Israeli troop withdrawal. Israel has rejected the plan, while Hamas has endorsed it, creating a diplomatic standoff.
Why are Arab states pressuring Israel?
Eight Muslim nations, including key mediators Egypt, Qatar and Turkey, have condemned Israel's rejection of the plan, saying it bears direct responsibility for obstructing peace. They fear Israel's refusal could derail extensive efforts to end the conflict.