Kushner: Gaza Peace Plan, Hamas Disarmament Could Start Within 30 Days

Progress toward disarming Hamas and implementing a peace plan for Gaza could begin within a month, according to Jared Kushner, the U.S. envoy and son-in-law of former President Donald Trump. Kushner met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv following direct talks with Hamas in Egypt. He suggested that some of Hamas's weapons could start being removed within 30 days. Kushner also indicated that the extensive network of tunnels in Gaza, used by Hamas for smuggling and defense, might be filled within 60 to 90 days. This initiative follows Israel's rejection of a previous U.S. plan aimed at ending the Gaza war, which was initiated by Hamas's attack on October 7, 2023. The U.S. administration is seeking to appease Israel with this new proposal. Kushner, a friend of Netanyahu, met the Israeli leader in Jerusalem a day after his discussions in Egypt. An Israeli official stated that both sides agreed no redeployment or reconstruction in Gaza would occur before Hamas is disarmed. The official added that the first step toward demilitarization would involve Hamas surrendering its weapons for dismantling under the supervision of a U.S. general. Netanyahu has insisted that Israeli forces will not withdraw from Gaza until Hamas is fully disarmed. A roadmap agreed upon by Hamas on July 30 outlined that the destruction of Hamas weapons would be overseen by the International Stabilization Force, led by U.S. Major General Jasper Jeffers. Hamas has committed to handing over its weapons to a new Palestinian governing body, a move that has been met with skepticism by Netanyahu but hailed by Trump as a decisive step. A representative from Trump's Peace Board, responsible for implementing the agreement, affirmed that all collected weapons would be destroyed to prevent their reuse and stressed Israel's right to self-defense. Netanyahu requested a U.S. general to oversee the disarmament process. His office announced an agreement with the Peace Board to establish a joint working group focused on Hamas's disarmament.