US Adviser Aryeh Lightstone Meets Hamas Leader Khalil al-Hayya in Gaza Talks

Aryeh Lightstone, a US adviser involved in peace efforts, has met with Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya in the Gaza Strip as part of ongoing discussions aimed at disarming the terrorist organization. The meetings, reported by Kan News, took place in recent months and are linked to broader efforts to end hostilities and secure the release of all hostages. Lightstone serves as an adviser to US envoy Steve Witkoff and to the US President's Peace Council under Donald Trump. Previously, Witkoff himself met with al-Hayya during negotiations to end the war and facilitate hostage releases. Israeli officials acknowledge that Hamas's positions have hardened, but they were aware of Lightstone's meetings, which were conducted under the guidance of Nikolay Mladenov, the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process.