Kushner meets Hamas leader in Egypt to revive Gaza peace plan

Jared Kushner, U.S. President Donald Trump's son-in-law and envoy, met with Hamas's new leader in Egypt in an effort to revive a Gaza peace plan that Israel has rejected.

The talks, held in the Egyptian city of El-Alamein, focused on Kushner's push for "concrete, verifiable steps" toward disarmament, a primary condition set by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Kushner conveyed a message that "Gaza can never again be a source of terror for Israel."

Hamas chief Khalil al-Hayya, making his first trip since assuming leadership in July, reiterated Hamas's commitment to the agreement. Some observers believe Hamas's earlier endorsement of the plan was tactical, anticipating Israel's refusal.

“

Gaza can never again be a source of terror for Israel.

Notably, the meeting included representatives from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, key mediators, as well as members of Trump's "Board of Peace," including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. The U.S., which classifies Hamas as a terrorist organization, has become more open to direct contact under the Trump administration in hopes of ending the Gaza conflict.

Meanwhile, several Muslim nations, including Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, and Indonesia, have condemned Israel's rejection of the peace plan. In a joint statement, they declared that "Israel bears direct and full responsibility" for obstructing peace, warning that its refusal "directly threatens to derail extensive efforts" by Trump. The inclusion of the UAE is significant, given its normalized relations with Israel.

“

Israel bears direct and full responsibility for obstructing peace, adding its refusal directly threatens to derail extensive efforts by Mr. Trump.