{
  "id": 1743176,
  "title": "Kushner has opened the door: Now Israelis and Palestinians must walk through it - opinion",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/18/kushner-has-opened-the-door-now-israelis-and-palestinians-must-walk",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-18T16:14:33.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Jerusalem Post",
    "slug": "jerusalem-post",
    "url": "https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-905857"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "This week marked a potentially groundbreaking event in Egypt. Hamas officials engaged in direct dialogue with Jared Kushner, the US Special Envoy for Peace, and reiterated their dedication to disarmament and demilitarization of Gaza. However, Kushner made it abundantly clear that mere declarations would not suffice. He emphasized that Hamas must take concrete actions to dismantle its weapons and military infrastructure, cede governing power to a Palestinian technocratic administration, and accept the absence of any armed presence in Gaza's future.\n\nIf these conditions are met, this diplomatic process could signify the beginning of an end to one of the most challenging periods in Palestinian-Israeli relations. For the past three years, over two million Palestinians in Gaza have faced unimaginable suffering - death, displacement, hunger, destruction, and living conditions no human being should endure. Simultaneously, Israelis have grappled with the trauma of the October 7, 2023 massacres, the hostage crisis, and the constant threat of further conflict. Demilitarizing Gaza could offer a lifeline to both parties. For Palestinians, it would pave the way for reconstruction, a functional government, economic revival, and the return to a normal life. For Israelis, it would offer the security guarantees needed to withdraw troops and steer away from a permanent state of war. It would also alleviate one of the main sources of instability in the region, opening up new avenues for cooperation, normalization, and peace.\n\nKushner's meeting with Hamas was significant because it required diplomacy that went beyond mere statements and meetings between already agreeing parties. It demanded the courage to converse with adversaries whose actions they vehemently oppose, speaking plainly and presenting them with a choice: continue the cycle of destruction or embrace a different path. Kushner exhibited that bravery, demonstrating a diplomatic approach that combined direct engagement with firm stipulations. He reportedly communicated to Hamas that disarmament was non-negotiable and that Israel's skepticism could only be overcome through tangible actions. Concurrently, he presented a reciprocal pathway: if Hamas begins disarming, the United States would facilitate Israel's corresponding steps, including the deployment of an International Stabilization Force, expedited humanitarian aid, reconstruction efforts in Rafah, and preliminary discussions on troop withdrawals. This approach underscores that progress cannot be built solely on promises, but also that pledges must translate into a feasible political future.\n\nThis 90-minute meeting revealed Kushner's courage and his exceptional diplomatic skills. It is evident that Hamas comprehends better than anyone the decision now before it. The military endeavor that Hamas embarked upon has wrought havoc in Gaza and has lost its capacity to achieve any form of political or national triumph. Preserving weapons as symbols of resistance at the expense of safeguarding the lives and future of two million Palestinians would be morally reprehensible and politically self-destructive. Therefore, demilitarization is not merely an international demand; it is a Palestinian necessity. Hamas initially began as a political and social movement, later developing its military wing. Forgoing this military structure could become Hamas's lifeline, enabling it to abandon armed activities and re-emerge as a purely political entity operating under a single law, legitimate authority, and national political system.\n\nThis transformation also has profound implications for the upcoming Palestinian elections slated for the end of November. If Hamas indeed disarms, accepts the future Palestinian government's authority, and meets the legal prerequisites for participation - particularly acknowledging the agreements signed between Israel and the PLO - I would endorse allowing it to partake in those elections. This would entail international recognition and an Israeli commitment not to hinder its peaceful political involvement. As head of Masar Jadid (New Path), a recently established Palestinian political party advocating for democracy, accountable governance, nonviolence, dialogue with Israel, and a political approach that enhances people's daily lives, it may seem politically expedient for me to argue against Hamas's inclusion. However, this stance would be short-sighted. After Hamas disarms and undergoes a political transformation, Palestinians must be granted the freedom to choose among all legitimate political options during elections. We require elections conducted on a level playing field, not elections rigged to ensure a predetermined outcome. Palestinians must be given, for the first time in generations, the opportunity to evaluate every political program at the ballot box: armed resistance or peaceful influence; ideological declarations or practical governance; isolation or engagement with the region and the world. The Palestinian people, not weapons, foreign powers, or un-elected factions, must determine the destiny of Palestinian politics. The same responsibility will soon confront Israeli voters. If the second phase commences before Israel's elections on October 27, the incoming Israeli prime minister and government could have the chance to initiate this process directly, avoiding the seemingly insurmountable task of starting from scratch. It would be a fresh start, not only for a new Israeli government but also for both peoples.",
  "summary": "A historic meeting: Hamas leaders met directly with Jared Kushner, the US Special Envoy for Peace, and reaffirmed their commitment to disarm and demilitarize Gaza.",
  "key_points": [
    "Hamas officials meet with Jared Kushner for peace talks",
    "Kushner demands concrete actions from Hamas to disarm and cede power",
    "Demilitarization could lead to Palestinian reconstruction and Israeli security"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}