In brief
In a rare diplomatic move, Jared Kushner, the former president’s son‑in‑law and head of the Board of Peace, met with Hamas’ Khalil al‑Hayya in Egypt to advance a US‑backed plan for Gaza. The proposal calls for full Hamas disarmament, withdrawal of Israeli forces, and a new civilian Palestinian administration to rebuild the devastated Strip. The meeting occurs after Israel rejected a 15‑point ceasefire plan, citing that Hamas must be fully disarmed first. Key mediators—Egypt, Qatar, Turkey and national leaders—joined the talks, underscoring the multilateral effort. Meanwhile, the Gaza Strip remains a humanitarian crisis, with at least 73,000 deaths and 1.9 million displaced residents since the conflict began.
Trump envoy Kushner meets Hamas leader to push Gaza peace plan
Last Sunday, U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Jared Kushner, met with Hamas chief Khalil al‑Hayya in Egypt to push a U.S.‑backed plan aimed at ending the Gaza conflict. The meeting marks the first high‑level engagement with Hamas since the ceasefire agreed on 10 October 2023.
Board of Peace proposal
The Board of Peace, founded by Trump, has proposed a 15‑point agenda for Gaza. It demands 100% disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups, a withdrawal of Israeli troops, and the implementation of a civilian Palestinian administration tasked with rebuilding the region. The board’s initiative also calls for a comprehensive humanitarian strategy that addresses displaced civilians.
Israeli stance and international mediation
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been vocal about Israel’s refusal of the plan, insisting that any withdrawals must come only after Hamas is fully de‑armed. He said: “Israel will not pull any troops until Hamas is genuinely disarmed.” The U.S. plan was therefore blocked by an Israeli decision not to abandon its military presence.
The meeting also included representatives from Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Turkey—key states that have repeatedly mediated in the Gaza conflict. Former prime minister Tony Blair and Board member Nickolai Mladenov were also present.
Humanitarian toll
The war, triggered by a Hamas attack on 7 October 2023 in which around 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage, has now claimed more than 73,000 lives according to Gaza’s health authorities.
The United Nations estimates that close to 1.9 million people—roughly 90% of Gaza’s population—have been displaced across the Strip. Ongoing Israeli strikes have continued to exacerbate the crisis amid the ceasefire.
