Promoting Gaza Peace Plan: Kushner Reportedly Meets New Hamas Leader in Egypt

Hamas's new leader, Khalil al-Hayya, has reportedly met with Jared Kushner, former U.S. President Donald Trump's son-in-law and special envoy, in Egypt to advance a Gaza peace plan. The meeting, held in the Mediterranean city of El-Alamein, is part of Kushner's efforts to promote a proposal that Israel has thus far rejected. Sources indicate that during the talks, Hamas reaffirmed its commitment to the plan, while Kushner strongly advocated for the group's complete disarmament and the termination of any future role in governing Gaza.

According to sources speaking on condition of anonymity due to diplomatic sensitivities, Kushner emphasized the need for "concrete, verifiable actions" and conveyed the message that "Gaza must never again be a source of terror for Israel." This meeting follows Hamas's recent statement of support for the latest phase of Trump's Gaza plan, which includes handing over weapons to a newly established governing committee. Some observers view Hamas's move as a tactical consideration, anticipating Israel's likely opposition.

Photographs released by Egypt show Kushner seated with members of the Peace Board, including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Mediators from Qatar and Turkey were also present. Khalil al-Hayya, who took office in July, was not visible in the released photos. This meeting comes at a critical juncture, as Israel continues its airstrikes in Gaza. A diplomatic source reported that Trump's envoy met with Egyptian, Qatari, and Turkish mediators to push forward the U.S. president's peace plan for Gaza.

An Israeli official stated that Kushner and his counterpart, Nikolay Mladenov, were scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the following day. Netanyahu had previously described Trump's latest Gaza peace blueprint as "unacceptable." The official expressed concern over Washington's demand for Israel to end precision strikes against Hamas militants, especially as Hamas is reportedly rebuilding its forces. Trump's peace plan calls for an immediate cessation of military operations in Gaza, followed by an Israeli troop withdrawal and the reconstruction of Gaza under a new Palestinian civilian government, with Hamas disarming.