Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s son-in-law and peace envoy, is set to travel to Israel next week to advance efforts toward a Gaza ceasefire, despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s public rejection of a U.S.-brokered plan to disarm Hamas and withdraw Israeli forces from the territory, according to multiple sources.
Kushner’s Trip Aims to Revive Stalled Ceasefire Negotiations
Kushner will join Nickolay Mladenov, the Board of Peace’s high representative, and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair on a trip that includes meetings in Israel and Cairo, sources confirmed. The group is expected to engage with a Palestinian technocratic body overseeing Gaza’s transition under a U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal, which has been in place since October but remains incomplete.
The visit follows a recent U.S. proposal that sought to dismantle Hamas’s military capabilities in exchange for Israeli troop withdrawals and the establishment of a new Palestinian governance structure. However, Netanyahu has refused to implement the plan, citing unresolved security concerns. We agree with the Israelis on the goal of disarming Hamas but they have expressed concerns which are valid and we have been working through them,
a source told Reuters.
Israeli Opposition to Trump’s Gaza Plan
Israel’s rejection of the U.S.-backed framework marks a rare public clash with the Trump administration. The plan, which includes a 15-point roadmap, was criticized by Netanyahu as insufficient to ensure Israel’s security. Israel would not withdraw until Hamas has completely disarmed,
the prime minister stated, according to sources. Hamas, while endorsing the deal, said its implementation would depend on Israel fulfilling its commitments, including halting attacks and withdrawing forces.
The Gaza ceasefire has faced repeated violations, with over 1,250 Palestinian civilians killed and four Israeli soldiers reported dead since October, according to health officials and Israeli tallies. The territory remains in a state of devastation, with widespread displacement, famine, and international allegations of genocide.
Details of the U.S.-Brokered Framework
The stalled agreement, outlined in late 2025, envisions a phased approach to Gaza’s future. It calls for the disarming of Hamas and other armed groups, the deployment of an international stabilization force, and the establishment of a new Palestinian police force to secure the enclave. The plan also aims to transfer governance of Gaza to a technocratic administration, a step Hamas has accepted but whose timing remains unclear.
Kushner’s trip will focus on finding a pathway to move forward with implementation of the 20-point plan
Trump proposed, according to a source cited by Reuters. The Board of Peace, established by Trump to oversee the ceasefire, has faced challenges in translating the framework into actionable steps, with Israeli resistance complicating progress.
Regional Mediators and Diplomatic Challenges
In addition to Israeli officials, Kushner is expected to meet with mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey in Cairo, as reported by Axios. These regional actors have played a role in past ceasefire negotiations, though their influence remains limited by the conflict’s deepening complexities. The U.S. has emphasized the need for a demilitarized Gaza
where Hamas cedes control to allow reconstruction, but Israeli leaders have yet to commit to the vision.
The trip comes amid broader U.S. efforts to stabilize the region. However, the focus on Gaza has been overshadowed by other conflicts, including tensions with Iran. A recent visit by U.S. Central Command Commander Adm. Brad Cooper to Israel was unrelated to Gaza, with officials denying claims he advocated for renewed strikes against Iran.
Worth a look
