Kushner Issues Stark Warning to Hamas Over Ceasefire Violations in Cairo Talks

Jared Kushner, the US envoy and senior advisor to former President Donald Trump, met in Cairo with Khalil al-Hayya, a senior Hamas official, to deliver a firm warning amid ongoing negotiations. The meeting followed intelligence reports indicating that some Hamas factions plan to violate disarmament commitments and continue military buildup. Kushner conveyed a clear message: any attempt to deceive or conceal weapons would halt the peace process and grant Israel full freedom to act against Hamas.

The talks, described as entering a particularly sensitive phase, focus on ensuring Hamas’s full compliance with a 20-point agreement, including complete disarmament of its military wing and cessation of rearmament. Kushner emphasized that trust would be measured solely by Hamas’s actions, stating, "If you try to cheat, the process will stop and no one will stand in Israel’s way." He acknowledged Israel’s distrust of Hamas but stressed that if Israel fulfills its obligations, Hamas must meet all terms.

Peace council sources explained the meeting aimed to prevent a repeat of past scenarios where Hamas maintained armed control over Gaza. Kushner believes that failure by Hamas to comply would give Israel broad international legitimacy to take action against the group. Meanwhile, Hamas leaders reportedly pledged to the mediators to implement all aspects of the agreement, including full disarmament and dismantling of their military capabilities.

This development underscores the fragile nature of the ceasefire negotiations and the high stakes involved for both sides as they seek to avoid renewed conflict in Gaza.