Kushner to Meet Netanyahu After Rare Direct Meeting With Hamas Leader
Washington pushes a Gaza framework covering an end to hostilities, withdrawal, disarmament and reconstruction.
A potentially significant diplomatic effort is unfolding in the Middle East after US envoy Jared Kushner held a rare meeting with Hamas leadership as Washington attempts to advance a new Gaza political roadmap.
Kushner is due to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday following talks involving Egyptian, Qatari and Turkish mediators.
The US-backed initiative seeks to stabilise Gaza through a framework involving an end to hostilities, Israeli military withdrawal, Hamas disarmament, reconstruction and eventual civilian Palestinian administration.
The diplomatic push is complicated by continuing Israeli military operations and disagreements over implementation of the peace framework.
Netanyahu has objected to elements that could restrict Israel's ability to conduct operations against Hamas figures, while Hamas has accused Israel of violating previous ceasefire arrangements.
Why it matters: Direct engagement between a senior US negotiator and Hamas leadership is unusual. If the talks produce progress, they could become one of the most consequential attempts yet to establish a durable post-war political arrangement for Gaza.
Source: Reuters, 16–17 August 2026.
Corrections & updates
- Marked as a developing story
This report is being updated as verified information arrives.
Aug 17, 2026, 6:52 AM - Story published
Verified against the sources cited in this report.
Aug 17, 2026, 6:50 AM
Related stories
Gaza Cancer Crisis Deepens as Doctors Report Sharp Rise in Deaths; Fresh Strikes Kill Two
Doctors say cancer deaths have risen to three to five a day, while two Palestinians were killed in separate Israeli strikes on Thursday.
Pope Leo Calls for Immediate Return to Diplomacy in the Middle East
Pope Leo XIV has urged all parties to suspend attacks, reopen negotiations and pursue a political settlement based on equal dignity, equal rights and respect for religious holy sites.
US Envoys Eye Moscow and Kyiv as New Peace Push Takes Shape
US officials are preparing for separate missions to Russia and Ukraine this weekend, sources say, as Washington seeks to address security concerns and explore a path toward ending the war.