Jared Kushner Meets Hamas Leaders for U.S.-Backed Peace Talks

Jared Kushner, advisor and son-in-law to President Trump, met with Hamas leaders in Egypt on Sunday. The meeting aimed to discuss the U.S.-supported peace deal targeting Hamas’ disarmament and establishing a new governance structure. According to a knowledgeable source, Kushner’s meeting with Khalil al-Hayya of Hamas focused on translating the peace plan into achievable actions. These included maintaining the ceasefire, transferring governance to Gaza’s National Committee, and ensuring Hamas’ absence from future governance roles.

The significance of this meeting was underlined by its confirmation from both regional and Hamas officials. They stressed the importance of implementing the deal, which seeks Israeli military withdrawal and the deployment of an international force. President Trump previously announced that the Board of Peace had reached an agreement for Hamas’ full disarmament. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected this plan, demanding genuine disarmament before any military withdrawal.

Kushner also met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, discussing the ceasefire’s implementation. Following this, Kushner planned to visit Israel to meet with Netanyahu. The source emphasized that for progress, Hamas must give up all weapons and governing authority, ensuring Gaza poses no threat to Israel.

Regional countries, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, condemned Israel’s rejection, blaming it for hindering Gaza’s peace efforts. They called for immediate action to prevent any obstruction of the plan. The 15-point plan involves Israeli withdrawal once disarmament occurs, with new Palestinian forces managing security.

Conflict in this region intensified following a Hamas attack on southern Israel in October 2023. Since a ceasefire in October 2025, over 1,200 people have died due to ongoing Israeli attacks, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.