Palestinians and Israelis doubt Gaza plan as US envoy Jared Kushner tours region
Jared Kushner’s meetings with Hamas officials in Egypt and Israel’s prime minister have drawn skepticism from both sides over the Trump‑backed 15‑point Gaza roadmap.
U.S. envoy Jared Kushner arrived in the Middle East this week with a clear diplomatic mission: to revive former President Donald Trump’s 15‑point proposal for Gaza and secure buy‑in from the region’s key players. His itinerary included a stop in Egypt, where he met with senior Hamas representatives, followed by a high‑profile encounter with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem.
The meetings, intended to showcase the United States’ renewed push for a comprehensive cease‑fire and reconstruction framework, have been met with pronounced doubt on the ground. Palestinian officials and community leaders expressed concern that the roadmap, which was drafted during the Trump administration, does not adequately address core demands such as the right of return, the status of Jerusalem, or the lifting of the blockade. “We have heard similar promises before, yet the reality on the ground remains unchanged,” one Palestinian spokesperson said, declining to be named.
In Israel, Netanyahu acknowledged Kushner’s efforts but stopped short of endorsing the plan in its entirety. While the Israeli prime minister welcomed the prospect of reduced hostilities, he emphasized that any agreement must guarantee Israel’s security and include robust mechanisms to prevent weapons smuggling into Gaza. Analysts note that Netanyahu’s cautious stance reflects internal political pressures and the broader coalition’s wariness of external pressure.
Kushner, who previously served as a senior adviser in the White House, framed the 15‑point agenda as a balanced approach that could pave the way for lasting peace and economic revival in the enclave. He highlighted provisions for a phased cease‑fire, reconstruction funding, and the release of prisoners, but offered few specifics during the public briefings.
Both Palestinian and Israeli reactions suggest that the path to consensus remains fraught with mistrust. Observers say that without concrete guarantees and a clear implementation timetable, the roadmap is likely to encounter further resistance.
Original reporting: Al Jazeera (https://www.aljazeera.com/video/newsfeed/2026/8/17/palestinians-israelis-sceptical-of-gaza-plan-as-kushner-visits-region).