Jared Kushner Meets Netanyahu After Unprecedented Hamas Talks on Gaza Plan

Jared Kushner, senior advisor and son-in-law to U.S. President Donald Trump, is scheduled to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today, following an unusual meeting yesterday with Hamas representatives in Egypt. The discussions focused on a 15-point plan for Gaza and included UN envoy Nikolay Mladenov and mediators from Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar. Sources described the Egypt meeting as positive, with Kushner demanding Hamas begin disarming and promising Israel would take confidence-building measures. Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya accused Israel of violating agreements and lacking interest in upholding them.

Israeli military officials told Channel 13 that no changes are expected in Gaza before the upcoming elections, and they plan to present Kushner with a list of Hamas violations. A senior IDF officer emphasized Israel will not agree to concessions without Hamas disarming. According to sources speaking to the American channel Al-Arabiya, Kushner discussed international stabilization forces in Gaza, Israeli withdrawal, and humanitarian aid. Kushner and Mladenov reportedly committed to a simultaneous Israeli pullback and Hamas disarmament. Kushner stressed that peace requires all parties to fulfill their commitments.

Earlier, Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Rashad met in Cairo with a Hamas delegation led by Khalil al-Hayya. Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem said these talks are part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to inform mediators about Israeli violations and pressure Israel to adhere to the agreed roadmap. Reuters reported Kushner’s Middle East visit aims to advance the 15-point Gaza plan, while AFP cited U.S. officials saying the U.S. and Israel share desired outcomes and concerns regarding Gaza. However, due to a stalemate in implementing Trump’s plan, an Israeli source told Channel 13 that Israel requested the U.S. delay political moves in Gaza until after elections, as the current situation benefits Netanyahu and contradicts American preferences.