Negotiations in Cairo: The meeting with Hamas leaders and Kushner's warning to Khalil al-Hayya
The US received intelligence that Hamas plans to evade disarmament. Kushner warned Khalil al-Hayya that if they attempt to cheat, the process will halt and Israel will be free to act. Hamas has committed to implementing all 20 points of the plan, including demilitarization.
Negotiations in Cairo: Intelligence was presented to the United States and the Peace Council indicating that elements within Hamas are planning to evade their commitment to full disarmament. Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's envoy, is now demanding a clear commitment from the Hamas leader in the Gaza Strip before all mediators: to surrender weapons, cease military buildup, and fully demilitarize the organization.
Kushner stated to Khalil al-Hayya:
"The test will be in the implementation. If you try to cheat, the process will stop, and no one will stand in Israel's way."
Two sources present at the meeting confirmed that Kushner made it explicitly clear that Israel does not trust Hamas, and any attempt to deceive will result in the immediate cessation of the process. According to Peace Council sources, Kushner's decision to meet with al-Hayya stemmed from concerns that maintaining the current status quo would lead to Israel's diplomatic isolation and the perpetuation of Hamas rule.
Sources in the Peace Council stated:
"Kushner is determined to avoid returning to the old paradigm of the last 20 years. He fears that previous approaches will lead to further international isolation of Israel, and worse — to the perpetuation of Hamas rule while it remains armed and building its strength."
From the Peace Council's perspective, Israel is in a win-win situation. If Israel adheres to the agreements and Hamas fails to fulfill its commitments, Israel will be granted the international legitimacy and freedom of action required to deal with the threat. Conversely, if Israel is perceived as the party torpedoing the plan, it will lose the political capital necessary to change the situation.
In response, Hamas leaders clearly committed before all mediators to the full implementation of all 20 points of the plan, including all demilitarization clauses.
