Kathmandu— US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law and Middle East envoy Jared Kushner recently held meetings with Hamas leaders in Egypt as part of an effort to implement a Gaza plan that has already been rejected by Israel. The talks, which included representatives from Qatar, Turkey, and Egypt, focused on translating Hamas' commitment to disarmament into concrete steps, while Kushner pushed for an end to any future Hamas role in governing Gaza. These discussions occurred despite the United States historically refusing direct contact with Hamas, designated as a terrorist organization, but reflect a shift in approach by the Trump administration seeking to de-escalate conflict.

Details Of The Closed-Door Meeting

The meeting on Sunday saw Hamas political leader Khalil al-Hayya alongside Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Rashad, Qatari diplomat Ali Al Thawadi and a senior Turkish official. Also present were Nickolay Mladenov, the Trump administration’s Board of Peace high representative, and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who is also on the board. Sources familiar with the talks indicated that Hamas reiterated its commitment to an agreement, while Kushner emphasized the need for disarmament and a diminished role for Hamas in Gaza's future governance.

Israeli Concerns And The Proposed Plan

Israel has expressed reservations about aspects of Trump’s plan, particularly Washington’s demand to end targeted assassinations of Hamas fighters. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously deemed the overall roadmap “unacceptable.” The proposed peace plan calls for an immediate cessation of military operations in Gaza, with Hamas disarming as Israeli troops withdraw and a new civilian Palestinian administration takes over.

Recent Violence Despite Ceasefire

Despite an October 2025 ceasefire agreement, Israel has recently resumed air strikes in Gaza. On Sunday alone, at least five Palestinians were injured after an Israeli strike hit a tent encampment in Khan Younis, and several more were wounded when an apartment in the Nuseirat refugee camp was struck. Palestinian official sources report that over 1,250 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed by Israeli fire since the ceasefire took effect, bringing the total death toll since October 2023 to exceed 73,300.

Kushner is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Netanyahu on Monday alongside Mladenov. The success of this plan hinges on both sides fulfilling their commitments, including Israel’s withdrawal and cessation of attacks.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.