Kushner Meets Hamas in Egypt to Push Gaza Peace Plan

Sun Sep 06 2026 11:59:54 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Trump’s envoy Jared Kushner holds rare talks with Hamas leader to try and implement a US-backed Gaza ceasefire plan, amid Israel’s rejection.

Jared Kushner, Trump’s Middle‑East envoy, met Hamas leader Khalil al‑Hayya in Egypt to press for a U.S.-backed peace plan that calls for Hamas disarmament, Israeli troop withdrawal and new Gaza governance. The meeting, attended by former UK PM Tony Blair and others, marks the first senior talks with Hamas since last year’s cease‑fire. Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu rejected the 15‑point plan, insisting that peace can only come after Hamas is fully disarmed. The talks unfold amid a complex web of regional diplomacy involving Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, all pushing for lasting cease‑fire while the war in Gaza continues with high casualties and widespread displacement.

Kushner Meets Hamas in Egypt to Push Gaza Peace Plan

U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle‑East envoy, Jared Kushner, has held rare talks with Hamas in Egypt to advance a U.S.‑backed Gaza peace plan.

In a meeting on Sunday, Kushner met a delegation led by Hamas leader Khalil al‑Hayya. The talk is the first at this level since the 2023 cease‑fire agreement.

The Board of Peace, headed by Kushner, announced last month a deal for a “complete disarmament” of Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza. It also calls for Israeli troops to withdraw and for a new civilian Palestinian administration to rebuild Gaza.

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the 15‑point plan, saying the IDF would not withdraw until Hamas is disarmed. A joint statement from eight Muslim countries criticized Israel’s refusal.

The meeting also included former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and a U.S. Board of Peace envoy, highlighting the wide diplomatic effort. Delegates from Egypt, Qatar and Turkey were present, all of which have historically mediated in the conflict.

Context: The war began with a Hamas attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, prompting Israel’s large-scale military action in Gaza. According to UN estimates, about 1.9 million Gazans—90 % of the population—have been displaced.

While the cease‑fire is still in place, Israel has conducted multiple strikes, citing Hamas violations. The peace plan’s future hinges on Hamas’ acceptance and Israel’s willingness to de‑escalate.