Can Trump’s peace plan for Gaza be saved? – The Latest

This episode of The Guardian's Today in Focus discusses recent diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, particularly focusing on Jared Kushner's meetings with Hamas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Kushner met with Hamas political leader Khalil al-Khaya in a rare direct dialogue that highlights the unusual normalization of U.S.-Hamas interactions, which contradict longstanding U.S. policy of not engaging with what it classifies as a terrorist organization.

The podcast reveals that while Kushner is a key player, other figures like former British PM Tony Blair and veteran diplomat Nikolai Mladinov contribute to the discussions. Despite this, it is clear that the U.S. holds considerable sway in the negotiations. The conversation also touches on Netanyahu's firm stance on a peace plan that he previously rejected, indicating significant obstacles to moving forward with a peace initiative.

Amidst these political maneuvers, the situation on the ground in Gaza remains critical, with ongoing Israeli airstrikes despite earlier hopes for a ceasefire. Reconstruction efforts have been severely hindered, creating uncertainty about the future for those affected. The episode underscores the complexities of achieving peace in light of Netanyahu's domestic pressures and the upcoming elections, leaving many questions unanswered about the prospects for Gazans and the potential path forward in negotiations.