Jared Kushner, the son-in-law and envoy of former U.S. President Donald Trump, engaged in discussions with Hamas political chief Khalil al-Hayya in Egypt on Sunday. This meeting is part of a fresh U.S. diplomatic initiative to jumpstart a stalled ceasefire plan in Gaza. Kushner’s diplomatic efforts are set to continue with a scheduled meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has recently turned down a U.S.-endorsed 15-point roadmap intended to advance the ceasefire process.
The roadmap suggests that Hamas should gradually relinquish its arsenal while Israel halts its military activities and retracts from certain areas of Gaza. Additionally, the plan proposes reconstruction efforts and the introduction of international forces to ensure security. While Hamas has expressed its commitment to the roadmap, it demands that Israel cease attacks and retreat to the agreed “yellow line” before any steps are implemented. Furthermore, Hamas has linked the disarmament of its heavier weaponry to progress towards establishing a Palestinian state, which is opposed by Netanyahu’s administration.
Netanyahu maintains that a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza will not occur until Hamas is completely disarmed. This stance has led to a deadlock in critical components of the ceasefire plan, including reconstruction efforts and the deployment of international peacekeeping forces. Kushner’s discussions with Hamas, attended by representatives from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, aim to secure Hamas’s agreement to the plan, especially concerning disarmament, before his meeting with Netanyahu.
Kushner is also anticipated to meet with Netanyahu alongside former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Nickolay Mladenov, the Board of Peace director. Meanwhile, several regional countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Pakistan, and Indonesia, have voiced criticism of Israel’s refusal to accept the U.S.-backed roadmap, calling for immediate measures to avoid further delays.
This renewed diplomatic effort coincides with political pressures faced by Netanyahu ahead of Israel’s October election. His coalition government includes ministers advocating for a more stringent approach to Gaza, casting doubt on the future success of the ceasefire plan. As the election approaches, the outcome of these diplomatic endeavors remains uncertain.