Hamas Leaders Confirm Commitment to Disarmament in Rare Meeting with Jared Kushner

Senior Hamas officials met with Jared Kushner, the US President's envoy, in Egypt for a 90-minute discussion described as "very productive" by a source familiar with the details. During the meeting, Hamas leaders reaffirmed their commitment to disarm and demilitarize the Gaza Strip, a pledge Kushner sought to secure personally. Kushner, who arrived in Israel later that evening for further talks with Israeli officials, emphasized the need for Hamas to take concrete steps before Israel would respond with reciprocal actions.

The source noted that while Hamas expressed frustration over Israeli policies and ongoing attacks in Gaza, Kushner reminded them it took four months for Hamas to agree to disarmament. He stressed that the Israeli side remains skeptical about Hamas's willingness to disarm, setting a high bar for trust. Kushner made clear that there is no negotiation over the principle of disarmament itself, but if Hamas demonstrates real progress, the US will ensure Israel honors its commitments.

Hamas leaders also indicated their readiness to transfer civilian control of Gaza to the Palestinian technocratic government once it is prepared to operate there. The meeting included mutual acknowledgments, with Kushner thanking Hamas for cooperation in efforts to recover the bodies of deceased Israeli captives, and Hamas expressing gratitude to the Trump administration and the "Peace Council" for humanitarian improvements in Gaza.

Additionally, Kushner and his team met separately with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and members of the Palestinian technocratic government. El-Sisi highlighted that much of the regional instability in recent years stems from the situation in Gaza and stressed that stabilizing Gaza would contribute to broader regional stability.