US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner met Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya in Egypt on Sunday, according to an Arab diplomat.
The meeting took place in the coastal city of El-Alamein. Senior officials from the Board of Peace also attended.
The talks focused on Hamas disarmament and the next steps in a proposed plan for Gaza.
Kushner Presses Hamas on Disarmament
Kushner urged Hamas to begin implementing a disarmament plan agreed on July 30, the diplomat said.
Hayya told Kushner that Hamas remains committed to the plan.
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However, he said Hamas would act only if Israel also meets its commitments.
Hayya pointed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s public rejection of the proposal.
US Seeks Israeli Action
Kushner reportedly assured Hayya that the US-controlled Board of Peace would pressure Israel to halt strikes in Gaza.
He also said the United States would push for a gradual Israeli withdrawal if Hamas begins handing over its weapons.
Netanyahu, however, has said Israel will not withdraw until Hamas completes its disarmament.
Talks Also Focus on Gaza Governance
Kushner also urged Hamas to stop public shows of force across Gaza.
The diplomat said armed and uniformed Hamas members have appeared on streets in the Strip.
In addition, Kushner called for a smooth transfer of governing authority.
The proposed arrangement would give control to a Palestinian technocratic body known as the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG).
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The Board of Peace would oversee the new administration.
Weapons Handover Could Take Months
The Board of Peace hopes to see Hamas begin handing weapons to the NCAG in the coming weeks.
However, the diplomat said such a move could take much longer.
The International Stabilization Force, which would assist with the process, remains in the early stages of training.
As a result, the first weapons handover may not happen before the end of the year.
Israeli Election Could Delay Progress
The diplomat also expressed doubts about major progress before Israel’s October 27 Knesset election.
According to the diplomat, Netanyahu may avoid major steps before the vote.
A further delay could follow while Israel forms its next government.
Kushner is due to meet Netanyahu in Israel next.
Humanitarian Aid Also on Agenda
Kushner will also press Netanyahu on humanitarian commitments linked to the October 2025 ceasefire.
Those commitments include allowing 600 aid trucks to enter Gaza each day.
They also include repairs to critical infrastructure across the territory.
Furthermore, Israel would need to approve the deployment of the International Stabilization Force.
Additional approval would also be needed for a proposed humanitarian zone in Rafah.
The Board of Peace wants to establish the zone on the ruins of the southern Gaza city.
Next Steps Remain Uncertain
The Egypt meeting shows that Washington is seeking progress on the Gaza disarmament plan.
However, major obstacles remain.
Hamas wants Israel to fulfill its commitments first. Meanwhile, Netanyahu has publicly demanded complete Hamas disarmament before any Israeli withdrawal.
Therefore, the next phase will depend on whether US mediators can bridge the gap between the two sides.
