Kushner's Gaza Peace Push Stalls as Netanyahu Insists on Hamas Disarmament

The Trump administration has been seeking a breakthrough in Gaza through a peace plan that demands Hamas disarm before any reconstruction or Israeli withdrawal takes place. Jared Kushner, acting as Trump's envoy, took the unusual step of meeting with Hamas leaders in Egypt in mid-August 2026, hoping to secure their commitment to the plan.

These talks came after months of devastating conflict in Gaza, with most of the population displaced and infrastructure in ruins, according to the BBC. The U.S. aimed to mediate a ceasefire and set conditions for a longer-term settlement, hoping to restart a stalled process.

The central point of contention was always clear: the U.S. and Israel demanded Hamas hand over its weapons as a prerequisite for rebuilding, while Hamas sought guarantees for Israeli withdrawal and a halt to military operations.

On August 17, 2026, Jared Kushner met with Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya in Egypt, discussing the U.S.-backed peace plan and the possibility of demilitarization as a first step (BBC News).

Immediately after, Kushner traveled to Jerusalem for a four-hour meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Media reports described the talks as lengthy but without a breakthrough. Netanyahu reiterated that Israel would not withdraw troops or allow reconstruction until Hamas was fully disarmed (The Guardian, Mint).

Both sides agreed to the idea of an American general overseeing any disarmament process, but Netanyahu insisted that Israeli forces would remain in Gaza until the weapons were handed over (AFP, Mint). Kushner and U.S. officials pushed for a cautious, step-by-step approach, suggesting that Hamas could start the disarmament process within 30 days (Franceinfo, NDTV News).

Despite some optimistic statements from Kushner and a declared willingness from Hamas to talk, Netanyahu flatly rejected the Trump administration's roadmap after Hamas signaled acceptance, insisting on tangible disarmament before any next steps (Al Jazeera, Franceinfo). Meanwhile, Israeli military operations in Gaza continued, leading to further casualties and raising doubts about the feasibility of the peace plan (The New York Times).

As of August 19, 2026, the talks have produced no breakthrough. Netanyahu remains firm on his position: no Israeli withdrawal or reconstruction until Hamas is disarmed. The U.S. is floating the idea of a U.S. general to supervise the process, but this has not moved the Israeli side.

Hamas has publicly accepted aspects of the plan, but Israel does not trust its intentions and has continued military operations in Gaza. The situation remains tense, and the basic positions of both sides have not shifted despite sustained U.S. diplomatic efforts.

The next weeks will show whether Hamas will take concrete steps toward disarmament under international supervision, and if Israel is willing to respond with phased withdrawal or easing of its blockade. The credibility of U.S. diplomacy is at stake, as is the fate of Gaza's reconstruction and humanitarian relief.