Netanyahu and Kushner agree US general to verify Hamas disarmament before Gaza withdrawal
Tensions persist between Jerusalem and Washington over the 15-point roadmap, while domestic political pressures mount ahead of October elections.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US envoy Jared Kushner have agreed that an American general will oversee the verification of Hamas disarmament prior to Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza. The understanding was reached in Jerusalem, with Netanyahu stipulating that no redeployment or reconstruction will occur until Hamas hands over its weapons for decommissioning.
The agreement marks a significant development in the implementation of President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan, which the US administration is seeking to revive despite recent friction with the Israeli leadership. A senior Israeli official confirmed to AFP that the two sides agreed no reconstruction would take place in the Gaza Strip before Hamas is fully disarmed.
The first step toward demilitarisation requires Hamas to hand over its weapons for decommissioning under the supervision of an American general. This arrangement aligns with a roadmap agreed by Hamas on 30 July, which designated the International Stabilization Force, led by US Major General Jasper Jeffers, to supervise the process. A member of Trump’s Board of Peace stated that every collected weapon would be fully decommissioned, while Israel retains its right of self-defence if Hamas resorts to violence or rearming.
Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and a close associate of Netanyahu, met the Israeli leader in Jerusalem a day after holding rare direct talks in Egypt with a Hamas delegation led by new leader Khalil al-Hayya. During the Egypt negotiations, Kushner reportedly demanded that Hamas prove it is relinquishing weapons and renounce any future role in governing the Palestinian territory. Other members of the Board of Peace, including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, were also involved in the talks.
Despite the diplomatic progress, tensions remain high. Netanyahu, who faces a re-election fight on 27 October, recently rejected parts of the US proposal and has shown willingness to defy Trump on policy matters. Meanwhile, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir made controversial comments in a podcast, suggesting Israel should kill 30 to 40 people every night in Gaza. Since the ceasefire came into effect on 10 October, Gaza’s health ministry reports that Israeli operations have killed at least 1,265 Palestinians, while the Israeli army has reported five deaths in its ranks.
