In an effort to revive a stalled ceasefire initiative in Gaza, Jared Kushner, who serves as an envoy and is the son-in-law of former U.S. President Donald Trump, engaged in talks with Khalil al-Hayya, the political leader of Hamas, in Egypt. This diplomatic meeting happened one day before Kushner’s planned discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had recently dismissed a U.S.-endorsed 15-point plan designed to progress the ceasefire.
The proposed plan outlines a gradual disarmament of Hamas while calling for Israel to cease military operations and pull back from parts of Gaza. It also includes provisions for rebuilding efforts and introducing international forces to uphold security. Although Hamas has expressed support for the proposed plan, it insists that Israel must first halt attacks and retreat to the specified “yellow line” before any measures are executed. Furthermore, Hamas has linked the surrender of its heavier weapons to tangible steps toward establishing a Palestinian state, a notion Netanyahu’s administration opposes.
Netanyahu, on his part, has maintained that a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza is contingent upon the total disarmament of Hamas. This stalemate has impeded crucial aspects of the ceasefire plan, including reconstruction efforts and the deployment of international peacekeeping forces. Kushner’s engagement with Hamas, which included representatives from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, aimed to solidify Hamas’s adherence to the disarmament aspect of the plan prior to his meeting with Netanyahu.
Alongside Kushner, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Nickolay Mladenov, the director of the Board of Peace, are also expected to participate in discussions with Netanyahu. Meanwhile, several regional players such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Pakistan, and Indonesia have voiced their criticism of Israel’s refusal to accept the U.S.-backed road map, urging swift measures to avert further delays.
This renewed diplomatic endeavor occurs as Netanyahu contends with political challenges ahead of Israel’s October election. His governing coalition includes ministers advocating for a more stringent stance on Gaza, casting uncertainty over the future of the ceasefire plan.