- Jared Kushner, the US envoy, met with Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya in El Alamein, Egypt, on Sunday to discuss the US-backed Gaza peace plan.
- The 15-point Gaza peace plan announced by Trump last month was rejected by Israel last week, with Netanyahu stating that the IDF will not withdraw until Hamas is disarmed.
- Eight Muslim countries issued a joint statement on Sunday condemning Israel's rejection of the peace plan, warning it threatens Trump's efforts for peace.
- Kushner's meeting with al-Hayya is said to be the first at this level since last year's ceasefire agreement for the Gaza Strip.
- Kushner also met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to discuss Gaza and regional stability.
- Kushner and Mladenov are scheduled to meet Netanyahu on Monday to advance the peace plan.
- Israel has resumed airstrikes in Gaza, targeting militants in Khan Younis and Nuseirat, resulting in casualties.
- Trump's peace plan calls for the immediate cessation of military operations in Gaza, disarmament of Hamas, and the withdrawal of Israeli troops.
- Hamas has agreed to a disarmament plan but insists it can only happen if Israel meets its obligations under the previous ceasefire agreement.
- The foreign ministers of Jordan, UAE, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt condemned Israel's rejection of the peace plan.
- Hamas has called on mediators to compel Israel to meet its obligations under the peace plan and end ceasefire violations.
US envoy Jared Kushner's meeting with Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya in Egypt marks a significant diplomatic effort to advance a US-backed Gaza peace plan, which Israel recently rejected.12
The talks, held in El Alamein, included Board of Peace Director Nickolay Mladenov and aimed to address key issues such as the withdrawal of Israeli troops and the disarmament of Hamas.
Israel's rejection of the 15-point plan, which calls for a ceasefire and reconstruction of Gaza under a new Palestinian administration, has drawn condemnation from several Arab nations.
Eight Muslim countries issued a statement condemning Israel's stance, warning that it threatens efforts to end the ongoing conflict.5
Despite the diplomatic discussions, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have resumed, with reports of casualties among Palestinians, including fatalities from recent strikes.91011
“The goal of the meetings was to 'concretize' the next steps of a new ceasefire plan,” a Board of Peace official stated.
Kushner's engagement with Hamas is notable as it represents one of the few direct interactions between a senior US official and the group, reflecting the complexities of Middle Eastern diplomacy amid escalating tensions.
“What people call conflicts of interests, we call experience and trusted relationships,” Kushner remarked in a previous interview, highlighting his deep ties in the region.
As the situation evolves, Kushner is expected to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to further discuss the peace initiative and regional stability.8
“The meeting, which also included Board of Peace director Nickolay Mladenov and former UK PM Tony Blair, marks the first such high-level engagement since the October ceasefire. Israel has resumed airstrikes, killing at least one Palestinian in Khan Younis, while eight Muslim countries condemned Israel's rejection of the plan.”
BBC
