Negotiations with Hamas in Cairo have reached a pivotal stage, with U.S. envoy Jared Kushner reportedly delivering an unusually stark warning to the terror group’s leadership: Any attempt to secretly retain weapons or evade its disarmament commitments will end the diplomatic process and clear the way for Israeli military action.
According to an exclusive Channel 12 News report, Kushner met directly with senior Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya in Cairo, where he laid out the consequences Hamas would face if it failed to abide by the emerging agreement.
The meeting reportedly came after intelligence provided to the United States and regional mediators indicated that some elements within Hamas were preparing to circumvent their commitments rather than fully surrender their weapons and dismantle the organization’s military infrastructure.
Two sources who were present during the discussions said Kushner issued the warning to Hamas in front of all the mediators participating in the talks. “The real test will be implementation. If you try to deceive us, the process will stop, and no one will stand in Israel’s way.”
Kushner also reportedly underscored the profound lack of trust between Israel and Hamas. He told the participants that if Israel carries out its responsibilities under the agreement, Hamas will likewise be required to fulfill all of its obligations. Those commitments include complete disarmament, an end to efforts to rebuild its military capabilities, and the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip.
Channel 12 further reported that officials involved in the negotiations described Kushner as determined to prevent a return to the previous reality in Gaza, in which Hamas was permitted to remain both armed and in control of the territory for years.
Those officials said that should Hamas ultimately renege on the commitments it makes as part of the agreement, Israel would have broad international legitimacy to resume military operations against the terror organization.
Despite the warnings and suspicions surrounding Hamas’ intentions, the terror group’s leaders have reportedly told mediators that they intend to abide by all 20 provisions contained in the proposed framework, including the clauses requiring Hamas to disarm and the Gaza Strip to be demilitarized.
{Matzav.com}
