Jared Kushner’s recent diplomatic push has intensified efforts to resurrect the Gaza ceasefire plan, but key obstacles remain as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues insisting on full disarmament of Hamas before any troop withdrawals—a demand that Hamas has resisted.
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### Rare Meeting with Hamas Signals U.S. Determination
On Sunday, Kushner, the adviser and son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump, met with Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya in Cairo. The session, confirmed by regional officials and Hamas sources speaking under anonymity, lasted over two hours and involved mediating countries including Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey.
The focus of the meeting was the U.S.-proposed road map for Gaza—a 15-point framework aimed at moving beyond the stalled October 2025 ceasefire. Key among its requirements is Hamas beginning a phased disarmament process.
Hamas officials reportedly reaffirmed their support for the plan, including core elements like a permanent ceasefire, a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, sustained humanitarian relief, and reconstruction efforts. However, Israeli trust remains fragile, with Netanyahu expressing skepticism about whether Hamas will follow through.
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### Netanyahu’s Rejection Raises the Stakes
Despite the overtures from the U.S., Netanyahu publicly rejected the 15-point document last week. He reiterated that his forces will not withdraw from the roughly 60% of Gaza they control until Hamas is completely disarmed—insisting that this disarmament must be genuine, covering all weapons.
Netanyahu’s stance defies the U.S. plan’s conditional and phased approach. He rejects any withdrawal absent full disarmament and opposes the idea of a Palestinian state in Gaza or the West Bank under current terms.
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### Walking the Tightrope: Kushner Meets Netanyahu
Kushner traveled to Jerusalem on Monday to meet Netanyahu, accompanied by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Nickolay Mladenov, head of the U.S.-created Board of Peace overseeing the ceasefire.
During the meeting, Kushner urged Israel to take “small steps” that could test whether Hamas truly intends to begin disarmament. These could serve as confidence-building measures but remain politically sensitive, especially with Israel’s upcoming elections in October.
The U.S. proposal ties Israeli withdrawal to Hamas’s disarmament with observance and oversight. Israel, however, maintains that disarmament must precede any withdrawal, drawing a stark contrast with the U.S. approach.
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### Regional Pressure and Political Realities
Arab states, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, condemned Netanyahu’s rejection of the U.S.-backed road map, warning it could derail diplomatic efforts.
Domestic politics complicate matters further for Netanyahu. With elections approaching, any concession seen as weakening Israel’s security or undermining his stance could carry electoral risk.
Meanwhile, Hamas maintains that any commitment to disarmament must be conditioned on Israel meeting its own obligations—ending strikes, ensuring safety, and preserving agreed withdrawal lines.
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### What’s at Stake
If this initiative fails:
– The Gaza ceasefire brokered in October likely remains fragile and contested.
– The U.S. could face a credibility gap, particularly if it fails to produce results after pushing the 15-point plan.
– Regional stability could worsen, with humanitarian conditions in Gaza continuing to deteriorate and militant tensions escalating.
If it succeeds:
– There’s potential for a phased peace plan to move forward.
– Israel could begin strategic withdrawals matched to confirmed disarmament steps.
– Gaza may see paused conflict, infrastructure rebuilding, and restored aid flows.
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### Bottom Line
Jared Kushner’s diplomatic efforts represent one of the most active pushes yet to implement the 15-point peace road map. Sunday’s rare meeting with Hamas and follow-up talks with Netanyahu underscore a pivotal moment. But without compromise from both Hamas and Israel—especially on the terms of disarmament and withdrawal—the path forward remains deeply uncertain.
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