Jared Kushner Meets Hamas Leaders in Egypt
Jared Kushner, President Trump's envoy, met with Hamas leaders in Egypt on Sunday to discuss their commitment to disarm. The meeting was part of the US effort to push forward the 20-point peace plan in the region.
Jared Kushner met with Hamas leaders in Egypt on Sunday to press them to carry out their commitment to disarm, according to two sources familiar with the meeting. This was Kushner's first meeting with Hamas leaders since the signing of the agreement to end the war in Gaza last October.
The unusual meeting came as the White House and Trump's Board of Peace push both Hamas and Israel to move to the next phase of the US 20-point peace plan. Kushner is expected to visit Israel on Monday and meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss corresponding steps Israel must take.
Board of Peace high representative Nickolay Mladenov and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair joined Kushner in the meeting, which was also attended by Hamas political leader Khalil Al-Hayya, Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Rashad, Qatari diplomat Ali al-Thawadi, and a senior Turkish official. The objective of the meeting was to translate Hamas' obligations to demilitarize Gaza into concrete, verifiable steps.
Go Deeper
What was the main purpose of Jared Kushner's meeting with Hamas leaders?
The main purpose of the meeting was to press Hamas leaders to carry out their commitment to disarm and to discuss the next phase of the US 20-point peace plan.
Who attended the meeting with Kushner and Hamas leaders?
The meeting was attended by Board of Peace high representative Nickolay Mladenov, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Hamas political leader Khalil Al-Hayya, Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Rashad, Qatari diplomat Ali al-Thawadi, and a senior Turkish official.
What are the next steps for Israel in the peace process?
Kushner is expected to visit Israel on Monday and meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss corresponding steps Israel must take, including conducting withdrawals in Gaza if Hamas starts disarming and accelerating humanitarian relief to the enclave.
What does the Board of Peace want Hamas to do?
The Board of Peace wants Hamas to begin decommissioning weapons and military infrastructure, allow the International Stabilization Force to deploy, and facilitate Gaza's recovery and reconstruction without theft or intimidation of Palestinians involved in the efforts.
What is the ultimate goal of the US 20-point peace plan?
The ultimate goal of the plan is to maintain the ceasefire in Gaza, transfer governing authority to the Palestinian technocratic government, and ensure Hamas has no role in Gaza's future governance.
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