United States envoy Jared Kushner met with Hamas leadership in Egypt on Sunday, prior to a scheduled visit to Israel to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The meeting is part of the Trump administration’s Board of Peace initiative, which seeks commitments from Hamas to disarm and demilitarize Gaza under a new U.S.-backed 15-point peace plan. Kushner is set to meet with Netanyahu on Monday to discuss corresponding steps for Israel.
In late July, President Donald Trump announced a "historic agreement" for the complete disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza, which includes Hamas relinquishing its governing role in the region. During the meeting, Kushner and Hamas leader Khalil al Hayya were joined by mediators from Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar. The discussions included maintaining a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, transferring governing responsibilities in Gaza to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, and ensuring Hamas does not regain power.
Netanyahu publicly rejected the U.S.-backed peace plan last week, expressing concerns about Hamas's commitment to disarmament. He stated, "The IDF will not carry out withdrawal until Hamas is disarmed," emphasizing the need for genuine disarmament. Nickolay Mladenov, CEO of the Board of Peace, noted that Israel is not required to take any action until verified steps are in place. This meeting was the first occasion Kushner met with Hamas leadership since a peace deal was signed last October.