Kushner meets Hamas chief in Egypt ahead of Netanyahu talks on Gaza road map

Jared Kushner, a special envoy for former US President Donald Trump, met with Hamas's political chief in Egypt on Sunday in a renewed diplomatic push to break the deadlock in Gaza ceasefire negotiations. The meeting, also attended by envoys from mediating countries, aimed to salvage a US-backed road map for Hamas to disarm and Israel to withdraw from the Palestinian territory.

Kushner's diplomatic efforts come as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces pressure after publicly rejecting the 15-point plan. The outcome of these talks is critical for the lives of approximately 2 million people in Gaza and the ongoing reconstruction of the enclave, which has been heavily impacted by the war for over 10 months.

A previous meeting between Kushner and Hamas leaders in Egypt last year was instrumental in securing the initial ceasefire. However, progress has since stalled, primarily over the issue of Hamas's disarmament. The current negotiations seek to overcome this hurdle and establish a clear path forward.

Regional powers, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, have issued a joint statement condemning Israel's rejection of the road map. They stated that "Israel now bears responsibility for obstructing the efforts to bring peace in Gaza." Other signatories to the statement included Jordan, Pakistan, Indonesia, and the ceasefire mediators, urging the US and the Board of Peace to take measures against any party obstructing the plan's implementation.

Kushner's meeting with Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya was intended to secure the militant group's commitment to the road map, particularly regarding disarmament, before his scheduled meeting with Netanyahu. Hamas has stated its commitment and is awaiting mediators to initiate a 14-day negotiation period to establish an implementation timetable.

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Israel now bears responsibility for obstructing the efforts to bring peace in Gaza.