Sources: Kushner and Netanyahu agree on Gaza's future

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. envoy Jared Kushner have reached an agreement on the future of Gaza, according to Israeli government sources cited by AFP. The core of their understanding is that Israel will not withdraw its forces from the Palestinian territory, and reconstruction efforts will be contingent on the disarmament of Hamas.

This development suggests a potential shift in strategy, as Netanyahu had previously rejected a Gaza plan proposed by President Donald Trump's peace council, known as the "Board of Peace." The current agreement only partially follows that plan. A key point of contention was the handling of weapons surrendered by Hamas. While the original plan suggested a new Palestinian group, the National Committee for the Advancement of Governance (NCAG), would manage the disarmed weapons, Netanyahu insisted on Monday that a U.S. general must oversee the process.

According to AFP, Kushner agreed to Netanyahu's demand that the weapons be destroyed rather than fall into Palestinian hands. Netanyahu's office confirmed that Israel would establish two working groups: one focused on demilitarizing Gaza and another on providing humanitarian aid to the region.

The Trump peace council praised the meeting, stating it demonstrates Israel's willingness to consider the American plan. "We agreed with the Prime Minister on a way forward. Israel will give this a chance. Now it is up to Hamas to show that they truly intend to follow (the agreement)," the council said in a statement. Hamas leaders have not yet commented on the reports.

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We agreed with the Prime Minister on a way forward. Israel will give this a chance. Now it is up to Hamas to show that they truly intend to follow (the agreement).