Egypt Warns US Hamas Will Strengthen Under Current Israeli Government

During Jared Kushner's recent visit to Egypt, senior Egyptian officials conveyed a rare and candid message to American counterparts expressing skepticism about progress in disarming Hamas under Israel's current government. According to reports from ynet, Egyptian officials stated that Hamas is likely to grow stronger unless a new Israeli government is elected after upcoming elections. This message was delivered amid Kushner's meetings aimed at negotiating a framework to end the conflict in the Gaza Strip.

On Monday, Kushner held a four-hour meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which was later joined by UN Special Coordinator Nikolay Mladenov, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and other representatives. Concurrently, sources told Al-Arabiya that during Kushner's talks in Egypt with Hamas leaders, both he and Mladenov rejected Hamas's proposal to store weapons within Gaza. They insisted that Hamas must disarm and dismantle its military infrastructure, with Kushner reportedly emphasizing that weapons would be removed from Gaza rather than stored there. These details have not yet been independently confirmed.

This development follows a joint statement by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and other regional countries criticizing the rejection of former US President Donald Trump's plan for Gaza. The ongoing diplomatic efforts reflect the complex regional dynamics and the challenges in achieving a ceasefire and disarmament in Gaza.

Summary: Egyptian officials told US representatives during Jared Kushner's visit that Hamas will only weaken if a new Israeli government is elected, warning that under the current government Hamas will strengthen. Kushner also rejected Hamas's weapons storage proposal in Gaza, insisting on disarmament and removal of arms from the territory.