Kushner meets with Netanyahu on Gaza a day after talking with Hamas

Mideast negotiator Jared Kushner met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for an extensive discussion on Monday regarding a U.S.-backed road map aimed at resolving the Gaza conflict. This meeting followed Kushner's separate two-hour discussion with Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya in Cairo, as the U.S. seeks Israel's endorsement of the plan.

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Israel and the board agreed that the demilitarization "should be prompt and completed before any reconstruction."

The road map's potential failure carries significant weight, impacting the lives of approximately 2 million Palestinians in Gaza, the enclave's reconstruction, and its future governance. Hamas asserts its agreement to the road map, which includes disarmament, and is pressuring mediators and the U.S.-established Board of Peace to secure Israel's signature. However, Israel insists on complete disarmament by Hamas before any troop withdrawal.

Netanyahu's office announced that he and the Board of Peace agreed to form two working groups: one focused on Gaza's disarmament and demilitarization, and another on public health issues. The statement emphasized that demilitarization should be prompt and finalized before any reconstruction efforts begin.

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

Meanwhile, regional neighbors are increasing pressure on Israel. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Pakistan, and Indonesia issued a joint statement on Sunday condemning Israel's rejection of the road map. They declared that Israel now holds responsibility for hindering peace efforts in Gaza and called on the Board of Peace and the U.S. to implement immediate measures.

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take "immediate and concrete measures" to keep any party