Jared Kushner, an integral figure in negotiating Middle East affairs as President Trump’s son-in-law, held discussions with Hamas leaders in Egypt on Sunday. These discussions revolved around a newly proposed U.S.-backed peace deal. A central aspect of the deal involves the disarmament of Hamas and setting a framework for transitioning governing power to a new body.
An informed source revealed that the meeting aimed to transform the negotiation outcomes spearheaded by Trump’s international Board of Peace into actionable, verifiable steps. This includes maintaining a ceasefire between Israel and Gaza, transferring governance to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, ensuring that Hamas has no role in future governance, facilitating Israeli military withdrawal, and deploying an international stabilizing force in the region.
This rare gathering in Egypt with Hamas participant Khalil al-Hayya was corroborated by a regional official and a Hamas source, both of whom requested anonymity as they were not permitted to speak to the media.
Last month, Trump claimed that the Board of Peace had achieved what he described as a “HISTORIC agreement” for the complete disarmament of Hamas and other armed factions in Gaza. Nonetheless, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu displayed a strong public opposition by rejecting the peace plan, insisting there be no military withdrawal until Hamas is truly disarmed.
Kushner’s earlier meeting on Sunday with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in El Alamein focused on implementing the Gaza ceasefire agreement. Kushner is scheduled to visit Israel on Monday to meet with Netanyahu.
A source emphasized that moving forward requires clarity: Hamas must surrender both its governing authority and military capabilities, while Gaza should cease being a terror source for Israel. Several regional powers such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE condemned Israel’s refusal of the road map. In their statement, countries including Jordan, Pakistan, Indonesia, and the ceasefire mediators claimed Israel is hindering peace efforts in Gaza.
This statement urged the Board of Peace and the U.S. to enact “immediate and concrete measures” to prevent obstructions to the plan’s execution. As per the 15-point U.S.-endorsed strategy, Israeli military units would leave specific areas in Gaza upon completion of disarmament efforts. An International Stabilization Force alongside a new Palestinian police force would maintain order and security.
The conflict traces back to a terrorist assault initiated by Hamas on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. According to the Hamas-run Palestinian Health Ministry, Israel has reportedly killed over 1,200 people since the latest ceasefire, initiated in October 2025.