Kushner's Gaza shuttle diplomacy ends without breakthrough as Israel, Hamas hold firm
US envoy Jared Kushner's talks with Israel and Hamas end without a breakthrough, with both sides sticking to core demands on disarmament and withdrawal.
US President Donald Trump's envoy Jared Kushner left Jerusalem on Monday without a breakthrough after two days of shuttle diplomacy aimed at reviving the stalled American plan to end the war in Gaza. Both Israel and Hamas remained entrenched on their core demands.
Kushner met Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for nearly four hours in Israel, a day after holding talks with Hamas's political leader in Egypt. He described the meeting as "good" and said Hamas representatives said "all the right things," adding that progress could be seen in as little as 30 days on removing weapons and filling tunnels within 60 to 90 days.
Trump announced last month that Hamas had agreed to a phased disarmament under a 15-point roadmap proposed by his Board of Peace, with Israel withdrawing its military from Gaza. Hamas said it agreed to the roadmap but insisted implementation depends on Israel first halting attacks and withdrawing.
Netanyahu, facing an October election, rejected the deal this month, insisting Israel would not pull back until Hamas is completely disarmed. An Israeli official said Netanyahu was clear that troops would not withdraw and the military would continue operations as necessary. Both sides also agreed that Gaza's reconstruction would not begin until disarmament occurs.
Kushner said the US will not restrict Israel's right to defend itself against imminent threats. A Board of Peace official said Netanyahu was told Hamas has committed to fully disarm and cease all military activity, while Israel retained the right to act if Hamas resorts to terror or attempts to rearm.
More than 1,200 Palestinians and four Israeli soldiers have been killed in Gaza since last October, according to Gazan health officials and the Israeli military. The two sides agreed to establish working groups on disarmament and public health issues.
Diplomats say Netanyahu is unlikely to make major concessions before the October 27 vote, as most Israelis want the war to continue, polls show. Kushner's visit marked his second known meeting with Hamas representatives, following an October 2025 meeting that helped clinch the ceasefire deal.