Kushner sits with Netanyahu to talk Gaza after 2-hour meeting with Hamas

Jerusalem (AP) — A marathon meeting between U.S. negotiator Jared Kushner and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday left the future of the Gaza ceasefire uncertain. Officials expressed moderate optimism but provided no concrete commitments from Israel to the recent U.S.-proposed plan.

Netanyahu's office hailed the talks as "deep and constructive." Israel and the mediator board agreed to establish two working groups - one on disarmament and demilitarization of Gaza, and another focused on public health issues for Gaza. The demilitarization must be prompt and complete before any reconstruction, according to the statement.

Hamas has already agreed to the proposal, suggesting that the talks may be moving forward. However, the fate of the Gaza ceasefire remains unclear due to Israel's refusal to commit to the U.S. plan for Gaza.

Kushner met with Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya in Cairo on Sunday, discussing disarmament. Hamas insisted that Israel halt its attacks and withdraw to the "yellow line" before starting implementation. The yellow line, however, was never precisely defined, and Israeli forces have moved beyond it, controlling about 60% of Gaza.

Several regional powers, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, condemned Israel's rejection of the road map, stating that Israel now bears responsibility for obstructing efforts to bring peace in Gaza. The foreign ministers' statement called for immediate and concrete measures to keep any party from obstructing the plan's implementation.