Trump envoy Kushner meets Hamas leader to push Gaza peace plan

Jared Kushner, the Middle East envoy of US President Donald Trump, has held a rare meeting with Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya to discuss the implementation of the US-backed Gaza peace plan. The meeting, which took place in Egypt on Sunday, is the first at this level since last year's agreement of a ceasefire for the Gaza Strip. Kushner's meeting with al-Hayya is seen as a significant development in the efforts to bring peace to the region, especially after Israel rejected Trump's 15-point plan for Gaza last week. The plan calls for the disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups in Gaza, the withdrawal of Israeli troops, and the rebuilding of Gaza under a new civilian Palestinian administration. The meeting was also attended by other notable figures, including Nickolay Mladenov and UK ex-Prime Minister Tony Blair, who are part of the Board of Peace, an international organization created to bring peace to Gaza and other conflicts worldwide.

The meeting between Kushner and al-Hayya comes at a critical time, as the situation in Gaza remains volatile. The ceasefire, which came into effect on 10 October last year, remains in place, but the Israel Defense Forces have carried out several strikes in Gaza since then, accusing Hamas of breaking the truce. The war in Gaza was triggered by a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, which resulted in the deaths of about 1,200 people and the taking of 251 hostages. Israel responded with a military campaign in Gaza, which has resulted in the deaths of over 73,000 people, according to the territory's health ministry. The UN estimates that about 1.9 million people, or 90% of Gaza's population, have been displaced since the war started. The international community has been calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, and the meeting between Kushner and al-Hayya is seen as a step in that direction. However, Israel's rejection of Trump's plan has created uncertainty, and it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold.

The implications of the meeting between Kushner and al-Hayya are significant, and the next steps will be closely watched. Kushner, Mladenov, and Blair are scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu on Monday to discuss the implementation of Trump's plan. Netanyahu has said that he wants a full Hamas disarmament before implementing the deal, which is a key sticking point. The international community, including eight Muslim countries, has condemned Israel's rejection of the US plan, saying it threatens Trump's efforts for peace. The situation in Gaza remains dire, with millions of people displaced and in need of humanitarian aid. The meeting between Kushner and al-Hayya has raised hopes that a peaceful resolution to the conflict may be possible, but it will require significant efforts from all parties involved. The role of the Board of Peace, which includes representatives from several countries, will be crucial in the coming days and weeks as the international community works to bring peace to the region.

⚡ Effects Interpreter