Kushner Holds Rare Talks with Hamas During Middle East Visit to Advance Gaza Ceasefire
Jared Kushner, the president's senior adviser and son-in-law, met with Hamas officials during his latest diplomatic swing through the Middle East, marking an unusual direct engagem…
Jared Kushner, the president's senior adviser and son-in…
Jared Kushner, the president's senior adviser and son-in-law, met with Hamas officials during his latest diplomatic swing through the Middle East, marking an unusual direct engagement between the Trump administration and the militant group. The discussions, focused on reviving a stalled Gaza ceasefire proposal, took place ahead of his scheduled arrival in Jerusalem on Monday.
Kushner is set to sit down with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who last week publicly rejected the 15-point plan backed by Washington. The plan, which includes a phased hostage exchange and a temporary truce, has faced stiff opposition from Netanyahu, complicating the administration's push for a breakthrough before the end of the year.
The meetings with Hamas, confirmed by two sources familiar with the trip, signal a pragmatic shift in the U.S. approach, as previous talks were conducted through mediators. Kushner’s direct dialogue with the group aims to test its willingness to soften key demands, including a full Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza—a condition Netanyahu has refused to accept.
During his stop in Jerusalem, Kushner is expected
During his stop in Jerusalem, Kushner is expected to press Netanyahu to reconsider the plan, arguing that a pause in fighting would ease humanitarian suffering and open a path for broader regional normalization. However, the prime minister’s office has reiterated that any ceasefire must allow Israel to maintain military operations until its security objectives are met.
Analysts note that Kushner’s dual-track diplomacy—engaging both Hamas and Israel—reflects the administration’s desire to secure a legacy-defining deal amid mounting international pressure. Yet, the deep mistrust between the parties, coupled with Netanyahu’s domestic political constraints, leaves the plan’s fate highly uncertain.
As Kushner shuttles between rival leaders, the coming days will test whether his personal clout and the administration’s leverage can bridge the gulf, or whether this initiative will join the list of earlier failed efforts to end the conflict.