Kushner to meet Netanyahu after talks with Hamas on Gaza plan

U.S. envoy Jared Kushner is set to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, following discussions with Hamas leaders, as efforts to revive a Gaza peace plan face challenges. This comes after Hamas approved the latest phase of Trump's Gaza plan, a proposal Netanyahu has thus far rejected, demanding a genuine disarmament of the group.

Kushner met with Hamas' new leader Khalil al-Hayya in El-Alamein, Egypt, on Sunday, seeking verification of Hamas' disarmament and renunciation of its role in future Gaza governance. Netanyahu is anticipated to have a closed-door meeting with Kushner, alongside Nickolay Mladenov, the high representative for Gaza on Trump's Board of Peace.

Hamas has expressed commitment to the Gaza plan and is awaiting a response from the U.S. regarding Israel's stance on the agreement. The Trump administration has shown growing willingness to engage directly with Hamas in hopes of ending the conflict, a shift evident in the October ceasefire agreement and the release of remaining Israeli hostages.

However, Netanyahu's position remains contentious, with critics like Itamar Ben Gvir advocating for targeted killings in Gaza. Meanwhile, eight Muslim-majority countries have condemned Israel's rejection of the Gaza plan, impacting Israel's relationships with key allies. Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have resulted in over 1,200 fatalities since the October ceasefire, with Israeli forces reporting five casualties during those operations.