Kushner Gaza talks end without breakthrough
Analysis based on 20 articles · First reported Aug 17, 2026 · Last updated Aug 18, 2026
The lack of progress prolongs uncertainty in the Middle East, potentially affecting regional security and energy markets. Defense and reconstruction-related sectors may see delayed opportunities, while geopolitical risk premiums could persist.
US envoy Jared Kushner concluded two days of talks with Israeli and Hamas leaders aimed at advancing President Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan, but no breakthrough was achieved. Both sides maintained their positions: Israel insisted on full Hamas disarmament before any withdrawal or reconstruction, while Hamas demanded Israel first withdraw troops and adhere to the ceasefire. The meetings followed Hamas's agreement to a 15-point roadmap proposed by Trump's Board of Peace, but implementation stalled over sequencing. Kushner met with Hamas political leader Khalil al-Hayya in Egypt and with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem. They agreed to establish working groups on disarmament and public health, and that no reconstruction would occur until Hamas is fully disarmed. Israel also demanded that Hamas hand over weapons under US General Jasper Jeffers's supervision. Regional pressure mounted as eight Arab and Muslim countries condemned Israel's rejection of the roadmap, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan praised Hamas's cooperation. Netanyahu faces an October election and is unlikely to make concessions before then.
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