Kushner has opened the door: Now Israelis and Palestinians must walk through it - opinion

In a potentially historic development, Hamas leaders met directly with U.S. Special Envoy for Peace Jared Kushner in Egypt, reaffirming their commitment to disarm and demilitarize the Gaza Strip. Kushner reportedly emphasized that Hamas's statements and promises would be insufficient, demanding tangible actions to dismantle its weapons and military infrastructure. He also stressed the need for Hamas to surrender governing authority to a Palestinian technocratic administration and accept a future without an armed role in Gaza.

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statements and promises would not be enough: Hamas must begin taking tangible steps to dismantle its weapons and military infrastructure, surrender governing authority to a Palestinian technocratic administration, and accept that it will have no armed role in Gaza’s future.

This engagement is framed as a critical step toward ending one of the most difficult periods for both Palestinians and Israelis. For nearly three years, Gaza's population has endured severe hardship, including death, displacement, and hunger. Israelis have grappled with the trauma of the October 7, 2023 massacres, the ongoing hostage crisis, and the persistent threat of further conflict. The demilitarization of Gaza is presented as a dual solution, offering Palestinians a path to reconstruction, effective governance, and economic recovery, while providing Israelis with the security assurances needed to withdraw forces and move away from perpetual war.

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disarmament was not open to negotiation and that Israel’s distrust could be overcome only through actions on the ground.

Kushner's approach is characterized as serious diplomacy, combining direct engagement with firm conditions. He reportedly informed Hamas that disarmament is non-negotiable and that Israeli trust can only be earned through actions on the ground. In return, he offered reciprocal steps from the U.S., including facilitating an International Stabilization Force, accelerating humanitarian relief, enabling reconstruction in Rafah, and discussing initial troop withdrawals if Hamas begins disarming. This diplomatic strategy acknowledges that progress requires concrete actions rather than mere declarations, while also offering a realistic political horizon.

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If Hamas begins disarming, the United States will work to ensure that Israel takes corresponding steps, including facilitating the deployment of an International Stabilization Force, accelerating humanitarian relief, enabling reconstruction in Rafah, and discussing initial troop withdrawals.