Hamas Pledges Full Gaza Demilitarization in Talks With Kushner

Hamas leadership has reaffirmed its pledge to disarm and demilitarize the Gaza Strip during a direct 90-minute summit in Egypt with White House adviser Jared Kushner, signaling a critical push to advance the American administration's regional peace architecture.

The rare encounter saw Kushner press the Palestinian faction to move beyond verbal assurances and initiate concrete steps toward decommissioning its military apparatus, addressing deep-seated skepticism over compliance.

Enforcing the Disarmament Mandate

The high-level talks, described by a source with direct knowledge as "very productive," centered on locking Hamas into measurable disarmament milestones under the U.S. 20-point framework.

"We thanked them for the commitment, but we want to see real efforts and not just words," the source noted, emphasizing Washington's intent to secure explicit, in-person compliance.

According to the source, the American delegation made clear that weapons decommissioning is non-negotiable. "Kushner told them there is no room for negotiations on the disarmament, but if they show real steps the U.S. will do its best to make sure Israel takes steps of its own."

Governance and Reciprocal Measures

Beyond handing over weapons stockpiles, the required measures mandate that Hamas relinquish administrative control of Gaza to an independent Palestinian technocratic administration and permanently exit the enclave’s governance.

"There can be no ambiguity: Hamas must relinquish governing authority and all weapons and military infrastructure. And Gaza can never again be a source of terror for Israel," the source said.

In exchange for verifiable disarmament steps, Washington envisions reciprocal actions from Israel. These include permitting the deployment of an International Stabilization Force, enabling reconstruction in the Rafah district, accelerating humanitarian relief, and opening discussions on initial troop withdrawals.

High-Level Mediation in Cairo

The talks in Egypt brought together senior regional and international stakeholders. Kushner was accompanied by Board of Peace high representative Nickolay Mladenov, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and senior advisers Aryeh Lightstone and Liran Tancman.

Hamas political leader Khalil al-Hayya represented the group alongside Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Rashad, Qatari diplomat Ali al-Thawadi, and a senior official from Türkiye.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi underscored the strategic stakes to Kushner, noting that the broader region's stability hinges directly on establishing lasting security in Gaza.

Next Diplomatic Steps

Following the session, Hamas released a public statement confirming its agreement to the roadmap for the plan's second phase—encompassing a permanent ceasefire, full Israeli withdrawal, sustained aid, and reconstruction—while omitting direct reference to disarmament.

Kushner is scheduled to travel directly to Israel to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, where discussions will focus on the reciprocal commitments required as the demilitarization process moves forward.