Kushner meets Hamas in Egypt as Gaza ceasefire talks resume

Jared Kushner, the former senior adviser to former President Donald Trump and his son‑in‑law, traveled to Egypt on Sunday for a meeting with senior figures from Hamas. The encounter, described by officials as a “rare” diplomatic outreach, was intended to explore ways to break the deadlock that has kept a Gaza ceasefire stalled for months.

Egypt, which has long served as a mediator between Israel and the Palestinian factions, hosted the talks in a bid to create a framework that could be presented to both sides. Sources close to the negotiations said the meeting focused on a “road map” that might lead to a temporary halt in hostilities, a prerequisite for any broader settlement.

The timing of Kushner’s visit is notable because Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to meet with Hamas representatives in the near future. U.S. officials have signaled that Washington hopes the Egyptian‑facilitated dialogue, bolstered by Kushner’s involvement, could provide the momentum needed for those high‑level discussions.

While the exact details of the conversation remain confidential, participants emphasized that the goal was to lay the groundwork for a ceasefire that could alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Observers note that Kushner’s role reflects a continued U.S. interest in shaping the peace process, even after the Trump administration’s departure.

The meeting underscores the complex web of regional actors seeking a path out of the conflict, with Egypt, the United States and Israel each playing distinct but interlinked parts. Whether the discussions will translate into a concrete ceasefire remains to be seen, but the engagement marks a rare instance of direct contact between a senior U.S. political figure and Hamas leadership.

Original reporting: NPR.