Kushner meets with Netanyahu after Hamas over Gaza plan

US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law and special envoy Jared Kushner is set to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to advance a US-backed 15-point plan to end the Gaza war, Al Jazeera reported on Monday, August 17. Before traveling to Israel, he met Qatari, Turkish and Egyptian mediators in El Alamein, Egypt. He was joined by Nikolay Sladenov, director general of the Peace Board, and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Kushner also held rare talks with Hamas’ political leadership.

The US plan proposes transferring power in Gaza to international forces and gradually withdrawing Israeli troops in exchange for Hamas gradually giving up its weapons. Israeli Prime Minister has rejected several key parts of the proposal. Hamas has agreed to the plan but wants Israeli attacks to stop and Israeli forces to withdraw from Gaza before implementation begins. The differences between Israel and Hamas have created a major deadlock. Kushner’s visit is aimed at advancing negotiations and efforts to end the war. Despite diplomatic efforts, violence continues in Gaza. According to Al Jazeera, more than 1,260 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks since the ceasefire took effect.

Source: Al Jazeera