U.S. Negotiator Jared Kushner Meets with Hamas in Egypt

Jared Kushner, a U.S. negotiator and the son-in-law of President Donald Trump, conducted a notable meeting on Sunday with the Hamas chief. This diplomatic engagement, held in Cairo, seeks to advance the stalled Gaza ceasefire plan. The next step for Kushner involves a meeting with Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday.

The discussions aim to progress a U.S.-supported, 15-point proposal. This plan involves Hamas disarming in Gaza while Israel withdraws from the war-torn Palestinian territory. The lives of approximately 2 million Gaza residents depend on the reconstruction of this densely populated area, which remains under significant Israeli control more than 10 months after major military activities ceased.

Kushner, along with envoy Steve Witkoff, previously met with Hamas leaders in Egypt, helping to broker the initial ceasefire. Progress has stalled, primarily due to the critical issue of Hamas’ disarmament. This recent meeting in Egypt with Hamas’ Khalil al-Hayya was confirmed by both regional and Hamas officials, who spoke anonymously due to the sensitive nature of the talks. Representatives from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey also participated.

Last week, Netanyahu publicly rejected the 15-point plan, a rare move deviating from the U.S., Israel’s main ally. Kushner, Tony Blair—former UK Prime Minister—and Nickolay Mladenov from the U.S. Board of Peace plan to meet with Netanyahu. The meeting will address this rejection, according to sources involved in these closed-door engagements.

Before Monday’s discussions, regional powers such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE criticized Israel for obstructing peace efforts, holding it accountable for hindering Gaza’s peace process. Other countries, including Jordan and Pakistan, endorsed these statements, urging swift actions to prevent parties from derailing the plan’s execution.

Kushner’s meeting aimed to confirm Hamas’ commitment to the roadmap, specifically its disarmament, ahead of the Netanyahu meeting. A Hamas official highlighted the group’s readiness to engage in a 14-day negotiation period, contingent on roadmap approval by all parties. The Hamas leader also asserted demands for Israel’s halt of attacks on Gaza and its withdrawal to a yet undefined ‘yellow line’ dividing the region.

Israeli forces currently control about 60% of Gaza. Netanyahu previously mentioned intentions to expand this control. The White House did not comment on these ongoing talks, referring inquiries to the Board of Peace, which hasn’t responded.

Under the roadmap, Hamas would transfer weapons to a Palestinian committee managing the region’s daily operations, though this committee has not yet entered Gaza. The plan involves a gradual disarmament of Hamas, with Israel ceasing attacks and beginning withdrawals. Netanyahu insists Israel won’t withdraw until Hamas is fully disarmed, putting various ceasefire elements on pause.

Netanyahu faces upcoming elections on Oct. 27, amidst a coalition advocating a strict stance on Gaza. His election context adds complexity to whether decisive ceasefire steps will occur shortly. The anniversary of the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on southern Israel approaches, marking a significant wartime event.

Likud, Netanyahu’s party, countered regional criticisms by accusing Arab states of attempting to undermine Netanyahu’s authority. The party declared that potential centrist leadership from Gadi Eisenkot or Yair Golan meeting regional staging demands was unlikely.