Kushner seeks to revive Gaza peace as Netanyahu resists Hamas disarmament

The current diplomatic initiative, spearheaded by US envoy Jared Kushner, represents a critical juncture in the protracted efforts to establish lasting peace in the Gaza Strip. Kushner's shuttle diplomacy, involving direct engagement with Hamas leaders in Egypt and subsequent meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, underscores the complexity of the negotiations. The core of the proposed second phase of the peace plan hinges on Hamas's disarmament and Israel's withdrawal from significant portions of Gaza, a territory where Israeli forces reportedly maintain a presence across over 60 percent.

Jared Kushner

Jared Kushner, a senior advisor to US President Donald Trump, is at the forefront of the renewed diplomatic push to secure a Gaza peace agreement. His recent engagements included discussions with Hamas leaders in Egypt, where he reportedly pressed the group to undertake "concrete and verifiable" steps towards disarmament. Kushner also conveyed the US position that Hamas should not have any future governance role in Gaza, a stance that aligns with Israel's security demands. Following these talks, Kushner traveled to Israel to meet with Prime Minister Netanyahu and other senior officials, aiming to bridge the significant gap between the two sides' positions.

Kushner's role is pivotal in attempting to translate the US-backed roadmap into a tangible agreement. The roadmap, which Hamas reportedly approved in late July, requires substantial concessions from both parties. His efforts are complicated by the ongoing violence in Gaza, which persists despite a ceasefire initiated in October 2025. The US envoy's ability to navigate these deep-seated disagreements and secure commitments from both Hamas and Israel will be crucial for the peace plan's viability.

Benjamin Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains a central figure and a primary obstacle to the immediate progression of the peace plan, due to his unwavering demand for Hamas's complete disarmament. Netanyahu has explicitly rejected the proposed second phase of the roadmap, asserting that any agreement must guarantee that Hamas is "truly disarmed." This condition is non-negotiable for the Israeli government, reflecting deep-seated security concerns regarding militant groups operating from Gaza.

Netanyahu's stance is further complicated by the continued deployment of Israeli forces across a significant portion of Gaza, which he views as essential for Israel's security. His insistence on verifiable disarmament creates a direct impasse with Hamas, which, despite approving the roadmap, has called on mediators to pressure Israel to accept the agreement. The Prime Minister is also slated to meet with Nickolay Mladenov, the Board of Peace's senior representative for Gaza, alongside Kushner, indicating the high-level nature of these discussions and the international pressure on Israel.

Hamas

Hamas, the Palestinian militant group governing Gaza, has reportedly approved the latest US-backed peace roadmap, signaling a potential willingness to engage in the diplomatic process. However, the group has simultaneously called upon mediators, including Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye, as well as Trump's Board of Peace, to exert pressure on Israel to accept the agreement and establish a clear timetable for its implementation. This dual approach highlights Hamas's strategic position, seeking to leverage international support while maintaining its demands.

The core contention from Hamas's perspective is Israel's insistence on its complete disarmament as a prerequisite for further progress. While the roadmap calls for Hamas to relinquish its weapons, the group's leadership views this demand as a threat to its political and military standing. The ongoing violence, with Palestinian officials reporting Israeli strikes and shootings, and Israel citing threats from Palestinian Islamic Jihad, further complicates Hamas's position and the overall security environment, making any disarmament agreement exceptionally difficult to achieve.