Jared Kushner, senior adviser to former President Donald Trump, just returned to the international spotlight. He is reportedly very active right now within Israel on domestic negotiations to push for a ceasefire in Gaza. Kushner’s role in Trump’s first term cannot be overstated. Today, he’s steering those same conversations in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt just as he did with Steve Witkoff, another influential real estate mogul and longtime Trump confidant. Humanitarian catastrophe on the horizon This high-stakes diplomatic effort could hardly come at a more urgent time amidst rising tensions in the region.
Kushner’s role in the negotiations is significant for a number of reasons. He recently launched a private equity firm, Affinity Partners, which attracted considerable attention after receiving $2 billion from Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund. His connections to the Middle East have certainly raised eyebrows. A lot of people think of him as a folk hero among Palestinians. Now speculation is swirling about his possible success as President Mahmoud Abbas’ successor. The aging but defiant leader has, however, grown increasingly unpopular even within the ranks of the Palestinian Authority.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is presiding over the negotiations in Sharm el-Sheikh. He made clear that Kushner has a very “strong mandate” from Trump to help sort out the continued low-grade conflict in the area. Al-Sisi appealed for urgent action, calling for sustained U.S. support to help create the conditions for peace.
Kushner has been the face of controversial comments about the conflict, including his praise of Gaza’s future “waterfront property” potential last year. He proposed that Israel move Palestinians out to “sanitize it.” This almighty promise coming from a federally appointed mediator raises serious questions about his impartiality. His characterization of the crisis has led to doubt amongst area advocates, lawmakers and stakeholders.
High level envoys from a range of governments are gathering in Sharm el-Sheikh for the Middle East peace talks. To that end, Israel’s chief negotiator Ron Dermer is bringing to-day into the discussions. He is widely considered Netanyahu’s most trusted adviser. Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani will be at the event. His presence signifies the important, multinational movement to pressure the U.S. and Israel for a ceasefire.
As talks progress, Hamas has been specific about its demands. They are demanding the release of Marwan Barghouti, the most recognized leader of the Palestinian national movement who is serving multiple life sentences in Israel. Barghouti’s release has become an important chip in the deeply flawed discussions over a peace deal. This new provision makes an already challenging negotiating process even more difficult.
Dr. Michael Lintner Rivera expressed concern about the ongoing violence, stating, “It’s been two years of just nonstop war and violence.” This sentiment highlights the countless people who are crying out for a peaceful resolution to this conflict.
Despite these efforts, tensions remain high. It has too late, even as recently as Qatar’s Prime Minister suggesting that this latest step has “killed any hope” for peace. Though Kushner and his counterparts have a lot of work to do, they’re entering a much more favorable environment. They deftly balance the complex politics of Middle Eastern politics.
