Jared Kushner, an envoy and son-in-law to Donald Trump, engaged in discussions with Khalil al-Hayya, the political leader of Hamas, in Egypt on Sunday. This meeting is part of a renewed diplomatic effort by the United States aimed at reviving a stalled ceasefire plan for Gaza. Kushner’s engagement with Hamas takes place just a day before his scheduled meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who recently turned down a US-supported 15-point roadmap for progressing the ceasefire.
The proposed plan outlines a phased approach where Hamas would gradually relinquish its weapons, while Israel is expected to cease military operations and pull back from certain areas in Gaza. It also includes strategies for reconstruction and the introduction of international forces to ensure security. However, Hamas has expressed its commitment to the roadmap but insists on Israel halting attacks and retreating to the predetermined “yellow line” before any implementation can begin. Additionally, Hamas has tied the surrender of its heavier weapons to advancements towards establishing a Palestinian state, a concept not supported by Netanyahu’s administration.
Netanyahu, on his part, remains firm that Israeli forces will not completely withdraw from Gaza unless Hamas is fully disarmed. This stalemate has put a hold on crucial components of the ceasefire plan, such as reconstruction efforts and the deployment of international forces. Kushner’s meeting with Hamas included participation from officials representing Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, aiming to secure Hamas’s agreement to the plan, especially regarding disarmament, before Kushner’s discussions with Netanyahu.
In addition to Netanyahu, Kushner is expected to meet with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Nickolay Mladenov, the Board of Peace director. Several regional players, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Pakistan, and Indonesia, have voiced their criticism over Israel’s rejection of the US-backed roadmap and have called for swift action to avoid further delays.
This diplomatic initiative is taking place as Netanyahu faces political pressure with Israel’s elections approaching in October. His governing coalition includes ministers who advocate for a more hardline stance on Gaza, casting doubt over the future of the ceasefire plan.