Report: Jared Kushner to Meet Hamas Representatives Over Gaza Deal

Saudi television channel Al-Hadath reported today (Sunday) that Jared Kushner, son-in-law and envoy of U.S. President Donald Trump, is expected to meet with Hamas representatives as part of talks that will also include mediators from Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar. Sources who spoke with the channel said that "the meeting is intended to prevent the collapse of the Gaza agreement."

The report comes as talks resume in Cairo over the future of the ceasefire and the transition to the next phase of the agreement. A senior Hamas delegation, led by the organization’s political bureau chief, Khalil al-Hayya, arrived today in the Egyptian capital for talks with Egyptian officials on continuing the implementation of the understandings in Gaza.

According to a report by the Qatari channel Al-Araby, the delegation is expected to meet with Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Rashad. The talks will focus on efforts to solidify the ceasefire and advance implementation of the agreement’s second phase, which includes demilitarizing Gaza. This comes amid disagreements over the roadmap drawn up by the Gaza Peace Council.

Turkey’s Anadolu news agency also reported on the expected talks in Cairo. According to the report, the sides will work to narrow the gaps between their positions and renew progress in implementing the agreement’s next phase.

Alongside the talks in Cairo, Kushner, Nikolay Mladenov, the Gaza Peace Council’s high representative, and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair are expected to arrive in Israel this week. The three are expected to meet with Israeli officials and discuss Gaza’s future and the continued implementation of the American plan.

The planned series of meetings in Israel and Egypt is taking place as mediators and international actors try to prevent the agreement from collapsing and move it toward its next phase. Significant gaps still remain between Israel and Hamas regarding the path forward.