Hamas chief heads to Cairo for talks ahead of Kushner visit

Published Aug 16, 03:19 AM UTC

Hamas political chief Khalil al-Hayya is traveling to Cairo on August 15, 2026, for talks with Egyptian officials, ahead of a visit by US President Donald Trump's envoy Jared Kushner to the region. Hayya, who assumed leadership in late July, will meet Egypt's intelligence chief Hassan Rashad. Kushner, accompanied by Nickolay Mladenov of Trump's Board of Peace, will visit Israel and Egypt to bridge gaps on a Gaza plan rejected by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu publicly dismissed a 15-point plan where Hamas agreed to hand over weapons to a Palestinian governing committee. Hamas political bureau member Bassem Naim stated they await pressure from mediators and the US on Netanyahu to abide by the roadmap. The ceasefire declared in October 2025 has reduced but not ended Israeli strikes in Gaza.