US-Hamas channel has value, but only if terrorists disappear from Gaza’s future – editorial

A high-level American delegation, led by Jared Kushner, met with Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya in Egypt on Sunday to discuss Gaza's future, including Hamas's disarmament, Israel's withdrawal, and future governance. This meeting, which included former British prime minister Tony Blair, aimed to advance the Trump administration's Gaza plan. Kushner reportedly told Hamas that "statements about demilitarization were no longer enough" and that concrete, verifiable steps were expected. While Hamas affirmed commitment to the framework, it demanded Israel fulfill its part, leading to criticism from Arab and Muslim countries against Israel's rejection of the roadmap. This direct US-Hamas channel has become routine, a shift from an earlier uproar in Jerusalem over similar contacts. The article suggests the channel is valuable if it leads to Hamas's removal from Gaza's military and political future, but warns against a scenario where Hamas secures a permanent negotiating role while weakened on the battlefield.