U.S. Diplomat Jared Kushner Meets Egyptian President Al-Sisi Amid Tensions Over Gaza Plan Rejection

Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of former President Donald Trump, met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in El-Alamein, Egypt, on Sunday. The meeting included Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Intelligence Chief Hassan Rashad. The discussions focused on the future of the Gaza Strip, amid ongoing tensions over a US-backed roadmap for the region.

Kushner is also expected to meet a Hamas delegation in Egypt, according to officials within the Palestinian organization. The meeting was brokered by Egyptian intelligence. He is set to travel to Israel for further talks, where media reports indicate he will meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, among other officials.

Kushner’s diplomatic efforts follow Netanyahu’s rejection of a US-backed roadmap for Gaza, which was developed by Trump’s Board of Peace. Netanyahu stated, “The Israeli army will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is disarmed.” He reiterated his opposition to an independent Palestinian state, emphasizing Israel’s security concerns.

Senior Hamas official Bassem Naim affirmed the group’s commitment to the Gaza roadmap. The plan calls for an end to hostilities between Israel and Hamas, with a transitional Palestinian administration taking over governance and security under international support. Israel is to withdraw gradually from Gaza only after Hamas hands over its weapons sector by sector, subject to international verification. However, the exact sequence of steps remains a major point of contention.

The foreign ministers of the UAE, Qatar, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt issued a joint statement criticizing Israel’s rejection of the roadmap and its opposition to a two-state solution. They stated, “Such rejection confirms that Israel now bears responsibility for obstructing the efforts to bring peace in Gaza and the rest of the Occupied Palestinian Territory.”

The ministers emphasized the importance of continued US engagement to ensure Israel’s full compliance with the commitments outlined in the plan. Their statement reflects growing international concern over the stalled peace process and the potential for further escalation in the region.

The situation underscores the complex dynamics of Middle Eastern diplomacy, where conflicting interests and security concerns continue to shape the path toward peace. As the international community calls for resolution, the role of mediation and adherence to agreed-upon frameworks remains critical. Romans 12:18 reminds us to seek peace with all people, a principle that continues to resonate in the pursuit of lasting reconciliation.

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