Behind the Meeting of Witkoff and Kushner with Hamas Leaders to Finalize Gaza Agreement

SadaNews - The news site "Axios" revealed on Monday that U.S. President Donald Trump's envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, were compelled to meet with Hamas leaders in Sharm El-Sheikh and provide guarantees to prevent Israel from resuming the war, should the movement fulfill its obligations.

"Axios" cited three informed sources stating that the negotiating delegation from Hamas was concerned about the resumption of war after the release of the hostages, which hindered the completion of the deal. However, Kushner and Witkoff provided guarantees after receiving the green light from Trump that Israel would not resume the war.

Upon arrival of Witkoff and Kushner in Sharm El-Sheikh last Wednesday, Qatari mediators informed them that the negotiations had reached a deadlock and asked if they were willing to meet with Hamas leaders, according to the sources.

A high-ranking Qatari official told Witkoff: "We believe that if you meet and shake hands with them, we will reach an agreement."

Minutes later, Witkoff and Kushner entered a house where Egyptian, Turkish intelligence chiefs, Qatari officials, and four senior Hamas leaders were present, including Khalil al-Hayya, who survived the Israeli attack on Doha.

The parties discussed for 45 minutes, and Witkoff told the Hamas leaders that "the hostages have become more of a burden than a leverage tool."

Al-Hayya asked whether Witkoff and Kushner carried a message from Trump, to which he responded: "President Trump's message is that you will be treated fairly, and that he will ensure the implementation of the twenty points that make up the peace plan."

After the meeting concluded, Hamas held a separate meeting with Egyptian, Qatari, and Turkish mediators.

Minutes later, Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Rashad returned with his Turkish and Qatari counterparts and told Witkoff and Kushner: "Based on the meeting we just had, we have an agreement."

"Axios" mentioned that the Sharm El-Sheikh meeting was the second direct contact between the Trump administration and Hamas.