In a bid to revive a stagnant ceasefire plan in Gaza, Jared Kushner, the son-in-law and envoy of former U.S. President Donald Trump, engaged in talks with Khalil al-Hayya, the political chief of Hamas, in Egypt on Sunday. This diplomatic effort comes as Kushner is preparing to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who recently dismissed a U.S.-endorsed 15-point plan designed to advance the ceasefire process.
The proposed plan involves a phased disarmament of Hamas, alongside a cessation of Israeli military actions and a withdrawal from specific areas of Gaza. It also outlines reconstruction efforts and the deployment of international peacekeeping forces to bolster security. Although Hamas has expressed its readiness to adhere to the roadmap, it demands that Israel cease its attacks and retreat to an agreed demarcation known as the “yellow line” before any actions take place. Furthermore, Hamas ties the surrender of its more formidable armaments to tangible progress towards establishing a Palestinian state, which Netanyahu’s administration opposes.
Netanyahu has maintained that a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza is contingent upon the full disarmament of Hamas. This impasse has led to a deadlock in crucial elements of the ceasefire initiative, including reconstruction and the introduction of international troops. Kushner’s dialogue with Hamas, attended by officials from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, aimed to secure Hamas’s commitment to the roadmap, particularly regarding disarmament, prior to Kushner’s discussions with Netanyahu.
In addition to his meeting with Netanyahu, Kushner is expected to be accompanied by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Nickolay Mladenov, the director of the Board of Peace. Several nations in the region, such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Pakistan, and Indonesia, have voiced criticism over Israel’s dismissal of the U.S.-backed plan and have called for swift measures to prevent further setbacks.
This renewed push for diplomacy occurs as Netanyahu navigates political challenges in anticipation of Israel’s elections scheduled for October. His ruling coalition includes ministers who advocate for a stricter stance on Gaza, casting uncertainty over the future of the ceasefire plan.