Jared Kushner, known as Donald Trump’s son-in-law and a key diplomatic figure, engaged in talks with Hamas political leader Khalil al-Hayya in Egypt on Sunday. This meeting marks a renewed attempt by the United States to breathe life into a Gaza ceasefire initiative that has encountered significant hurdles. Kushner’s encounter with al-Hayya occurred just before his planned dialogue with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has recently turned down a US-supported 15-point proposal designed to advance the ceasefire process.
The blueprint outlined in the US-backed plan proposes a phased disarmament of Hamas weapons, in exchange for Israel ceasing military operations and vacating certain sections of Gaza. It further suggests measures for rebuilding and the involvement of international forces to ensure security. Hamas, while expressing its commitment to the road map, has stipulated that Israel must cease attacks and retreat to the designated “yellow line” before the plan’s implementation can commence. Additionally, Hamas has connected the relinquishment of its heavier weaponry to tangible progress toward establishing a Palestinian state, an idea opposed by Netanyahu’s administration.
Netanyahu remains firm on his position that Israel’s complete withdrawal from Gaza is contingent upon Hamas’s total disarmament. This deadlock has impeded the advancement of crucial aspects of the ceasefire plan, such as the reconstruction efforts and the deployment of international forces. Kushner’s negotiations with Hamas were supported by officials from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, aiming to secure Hamas’s adherence to the plan, especially concerning the disarmament clause, before Kushner’s meeting with Netanyahu.
In addition to his talks with Netanyahu, Kushner is scheduled to confer with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Nickolay Mladenov, director of the Board of Peace. Meanwhile, Israel’s rejection of the US-backed road map has drawn criticism from several regional nations, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Pakistan, and Indonesia, all of whom have called for swift action to avert further delays.
This diplomatic endeavor comes at a critical time as Netanyahu faces mounting political pressure ahead of Israel’s October elections. His coalition government includes ministers advocating for a more stringent approach to Gaza, casting uncertainty over the future of the ceasefire proposal.