Hamas sources indicated on Sunday their expectation of a meeting in Egypt with US envoy Jared Kushner, as the Trump administration endeavors to advance a Gaza peace initiative that has faced Israeli rejection. The planned talks follow Kushner's arrival in Egypt, preceding anticipated discussions in Jerusalem.
A Hamas official, speaking on condition of anonymity, informed AFP that mediators had conveyed to the group that Kushner would convene with Hamas leadership in the presence of Egyptian and Qatari officials before his journey to Israel for meetings with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Kushner's itinerary also included discussions with mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, as well as Nickolay Mladenov, the Gaza high representative for Trump's "Board of Peace," established to implement the accord.
Khalil al-Hayya, the Hamas chief, was also in Egypt, having traveled to El-Alamein. He recently assumed leadership of the Gaza-based Islamist movement. A second Hamas source revealed that the United States had sought clarifications from the group on critical aspects, including the "genuine, rather than merely symbolic, collection, consolidation and storage of weapons, as well as Hamas's complete relinquishment of governance of Gaza."
Hamas had publicly agreed on July 30 to transfer its weaponry to a new Palestinian governing body, a key component of the Gaza ceasefire framework declared by President Trump, who lauded the agreement as a "major milestone." However, Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed skepticism and opposition, stating Israel's rejection of the plan and doubt regarding Hamas's commitment to disarmament, even after assurances from Mladenov that an Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza would be contingent upon complete disarmament.
The United States, which previously avoided contact with Hamas due to its classification as a terrorist organization, has engaged more directly in recent times to facilitate an end to the conflict. The Trump administration was instrumental in negotiating the October ceasefire, which led to the release of remaining Israeli hostages. While there has been no immediate confirmation from the US regarding a meeting between Kushner and Hamas, an official from the Board of Peace stated that Kushner and Mladenov anticipated "constructive conversations" with Netanyahu, emphasizing a shared objective between the US and Israel for a "demilitarised Hamas."
During discussions with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Kushner emphasized the necessity for all parties to adhere to their obligations under the Gaza Strip ceasefire agreement. Hamas official Al-Hayaa reportedly reaffirmed the movement's commitment to the Trump plan during a meeting with Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Rashad. Meanwhile, Israel has resumed airstrikes in Gaza, with the Israeli military stating these actions were in response to threats from Islamic Jihad militants and efforts to mitigate civilian casualties.
