Jared Kushner, serving as both Donald Trump’s son-in-law and special envoy, held discussions with Hamas political leader Khalil al-Hayya in Cairo on Sunday. This meeting was a component of a fresh U.S. diplomatic initiative aimed at reigniting progress on a stalled plan for a Gaza ceasefire. Kushner’s engagement with Hamas occurred just a day before his scheduled talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had recently dismissed a U.S.-supported 15-point road map intended for the next stage of the ceasefire process.
The road map in question suggests that Hamas should gradually relinquish its arsenal, while Israel ceases military activities and retreats from certain areas within Gaza. Additionally, the plan outlines steps for reconstruction and the deployment of international forces to ensure security. Hamas has expressed its commitment to the proposed road map, but insists that Israel must halt attacks and revert to the previously agreed-upon “yellow line” before any implementation can take place. Furthermore, Hamas is tying the surrender of its heavier weaponry to advancements towards establishing a Palestinian state, an objective not supported by Netanyahu’s administration.
Netanyahu has maintained that a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza is contingent on the complete disarmament of Hamas. This divergence has impeded crucial aspects of the ceasefire plan, including reconstruction efforts and the deployment of international forces. Kushner’s meeting with Hamas was also attended by representatives from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, focusing on securing Hamas’s agreement to the plan, particularly concerning disarmament, before Kushner’s subsequent meeting with Netanyahu.
In addition to Netanyahu, Kushner is expected to meet with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Nickolay Mladenov, director of the Board of Peace. Several other nations in the region, such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Pakistan, and Indonesia, have voiced criticism towards Israel’s rejection of the U.S.-endorsed road map. These countries have called for swift action to prevent further delays in the peace process.
This renewed diplomatic push occurs as Netanyahu encounters political pressure leading up to Israel’s October elections. His governing coalition includes ministers advocating for a more stringent stance on Gaza, casting uncertainty on the ceasefire plan’s future. The ongoing diplomatic efforts underscore the complexities of achieving a lasting resolution in the region.