New Delhi: The Gaza Strip has long been the scene of shelling and armed conflict, but there now appear to be signs of relief. A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is considered imminent. If a full agreement to end hostilities is reached, normal life in Gaza could resume.
Amidst efforts to end the conflict, Jared Kushner, US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law and Middle East envoy,y met with Hamas leaders in Egypt. The meeting aimed to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and advance the peace plan currently under development. This meeting in Egypt is viewed as crucial to the strategy to halt the war in Gaza and establish a political framework.
Hamas Accuses Israel of Violating Ceasefire
According to an Al Jazeera report, Hamas accused Israel of violating the ceasefire in Gaza during the meeting. Palestinian sources indicate that Hamas voiced its concerns to Kushner and urged the full implementation of the agreement. Hamas stated that while Israel adhered to the first phase of the ceasefire, its continued military actions have created obstacles to restoring peace.
What Did the US Oppose Regarding Gaza?
During the meeting in Egypt, US envoy Jared Kushner categorically rejected any plan to displace people from their land in Gaza. Kushner stated that the US does not support any scheme that would remove the people of Gaza from their territory.
Additionally, sources close to the US side suggest that the proposed arrangement includes handing over administrative responsibilities in Gaza to a new national committee and excluding Hamas from governance. There are also persistent demands for Hamas to relinquish its weapons and dismantle its military infrastructure.
Officials from Other Countries Also Participated
Officials from other nations also participated in the meeting in Egypt alongside representatives from the US and Hamas. According to some reports, Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel, Qatari diplomat Ali Al-Thawadi, and a senior Turkish official also participated in the meeting. UN Special Coordinator Nickolay Mladenov and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair were also present at the meeting with Kushner.
Meanwhile, Jared Kushner’s visit to Egypt and Israel comes at a time when differences have emerged between Israel and the US regarding the proposed Trump roadmap for Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has already stated that the proposal is unacceptable to Israel. In this context, Kushner’s discussions with officials from Hamas and regional nations are being viewed as an attempt to bridge these differences.
