Why Egypt is the pivotal stop in Jared Kushner’s regional push for Gaza

Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's son-in-law and negotiator, is set to embark on a Middle East tour next week aimed at advancing plans to resolve the Gaza conflict. The Associated Press reports that Kushner will be accompanied by Nickolay Mladenov, the Council’s High Representative, and Tony Blair, an Executive Council member and former British Prime Minister, as part of a "Peace Council" delegation.

The official in charge of the council informed the American news agency that the delegation will first visit Israel on Sunday before heading to Cairo.

Upon arrival in Cairo, the delegation will continue discussions about the establishment of a technocratic group tasked with governing the Gaza Strip under the U.S.-sponsored ceasefire agreement. The official emphasized that these meetings aim to underscore the commitment of Trump, the Peace Council, and the broader international community to achieving a stable, prosperous, and secure demilitarized Gaza, where Hamas would relinquish power and permit the reconstruction of the devastated region.

Despite Hamas accepting the disarmament plan and the withdrawal of Israeli forces, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed reluctance to comply. Netanyahu reiterated on multiple occasions that Israel would not withdraw its troops until Hamas is completely disarmed. Consequently, the recent agreement proposed by the Trump administration has encountered stiff opposition from the Israeli side, creating notable tension between the U.S. administration and the Israeli government.