Jared Kushner, President Trump's envoy, met with Hamas leaders in Egypt on August 16, 2026, to discuss their commitment to disarm. This meeting marked Kushner's first engagement with Hamas since the signing of an agreement to end the war in Gaza in October 2025.
The meeting was part of the White House's efforts, along with Trump's Board of Peace, to encourage both Hamas and Israel to progress in the U.S. 20-point peace plan. Kushner is scheduled to visit Israel to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss necessary actions from Israel's side.
Attendees included Nickolay Mladenov, a high representative of the Board of Peace, and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Hamas political leader Khalil al-Hayya, Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Rashad, Qatari diplomat Ali al-Thawadi, and a senior Turkish official were also present.
The objective of the meeting was to outline specific, verifiable steps for Hamas to demilitarize Gaza, which includes transferring governing authority to a Palestinian technocratic government and ensuring Hamas does not participate in Gaza's future governance. The Board of Peace aims for Hamas to begin disarming and to allow the deployment of an International Stabilization Force to assist in Gaza's recovery. Additionally, the board expects Israel to undertake corresponding withdrawals in Gaza and to expedite humanitarian relief efforts.