BY OUR DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENT
JARED KUSHNER has unveiled a high-stakes blueprint for a ‘New Government in Gaza’ that would see Hamas surrender its vast arsenal and tunnel network in exchange for a future as a legitimate political party.
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Middle East, Donald Trump’s son-in-law and key peace architect declared that the terror group must work on “demilitarisation” if the war-torn Strip is ever to be rebuilt.
Speaking as the “Board of Peace” launched its second phase of operations, Kushner issued a blunt ultimatum: “Without [demilitarisation], we can’t rebuild.”
The ‘Tunnels for Peace’ Swap
The bombshell proposal, first reported by Sky News Arabia, suggests a comprehensive agreement has been reached between US negotiators and Hamas leadership.
Under the terms of the deal:
Total Disarmament: Hamas would hand over all heavy weaponry and decommission small arms.
The Map to the Underground: The group must surrender full maps of the “Gaza Metro”—the sophisticated network of attack tunnels used to ambush Israeli forces.
Safe Passage: In a controversial twist, top military and political leaders of Hamas would be granted “safe passage” to leave Gaza, potentially avoiding prosecution or assassination.
Political Survival: Crucially, the deal allows Hamas to remain a registered political party, shifting from a militant faction to a civilian political entity.
Israel’s ‘Red Line’ Fury
The plan has already hit a wall of steel in Jerusalem.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office issued a stinging rebuke, stating the move was “not coordinated with Israel” and “runs contrary to its policy.”
Israeli hardliners are particularly livid at the prospect of Hamas retaining any political status. One senior official warned: “We did not fight for two years to see Hamas trade their fatigues for suits. They must be dismantled, not rebranded.”
Rebuilding the Ruins
Kushner’s vision involves a “technocratic” government—the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG)—to manage daily life while an international board, including former British PM Tony Blair, oversees a multi-billion dollar reconstruction.
The master plan reportedly includes a new seaport and airport, but Kushner insists that “not one brick” will be laid until the guns are handed in.
“The people of Gaza have suffered long enough,” he said. “The time is now.”
Background: The Road to the ‘Board of Peace’
The current crisis follows nearly three years of devastating conflict triggered by the October 7 attacks.
The Trump Plan: The 20-point peace plan, spearheaded by the US, aims to transform Gaza into a “deradicalised, terror-free zone.”
Phase Two: After a fragile ceasefire took hold in late 2025, the mission has shifted from stopping the bullets to “Phase Two”—establishing governance and clearing the estimated 60 million tonnes of rubble clogging the Strip.
The Board: Chaired by the US President, the “Board of Peace” includes a bizarre mix of world leaders and billionaires.
Countries like Hungary and Vietnam have reportedly paid $1 billion into a reconstruction fund to secure permanent seats on the panel.
The Blair Factor: Sir Tony Blair’s inclusion as a strategic advisor has drawn parallels to his previous role as Middle East envoy, with the former PM tasked with “mobilising global support” for the massive engineering project required to make Gaza habitable again.
