Kushner Blasts Hamas: Terror Group Says Right Things But Actions Must Follow

Jared Kushner, President Trump’s special envoy, delivered a blunt and realistic assessment of recent talks with Hamas leaders following high-stakes meetings in Cairo and Jerusalem. Speaking in a Fox News interview on August 17, 2026, Kushner acknowledged that the group “said all the right things” about surrendering weapons and filling tunnels within 60 to 90 days under the administration’s Gaza demilitarization plan. At the same time, he made clear that trusting a terrorist organization responsible for horrific atrocities remains extremely difficult. The United States, he stressed, will judge Hamas solely by its actions rather than its words.

The remarks came after Kushner held discussions with Hamas representatives in Egypt and then met Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in Jerusalem to advance the practical steps of demilitarizing Gaza. While the conversations were described as cordial and the group repeated its verbal commitments, Kushner emphasized the deep skepticism rooted in Hamas’s long record of violence and broken promises. He outlined a clear conditional path forward: the group will be given an opportunity to prove itself through concrete performance on disarmament.

If Hamas fails to deliver on those commitments, the consequences will be serious. Kushner indicated that Israel would then receive stronger backing from the United States and other partners to complete the necessary military efforts and eliminate the remaining threat. This approach prioritizes results over empty rhetoric and keeps the focus on protecting Israeli security while removing Hamas’s military infrastructure from Gaza. The administration’s strategy combines firm pressure with measured diplomatic engagement.

By insisting on verifiable actions, the Trump administration is ensuring that any progress serves the long-term goal of a demilitarized Gaza that can never again serve as a base for terror. Kushner’s straightforward message leaves little room for ambiguity: words alone will not suffice, and the burden of proof rests entirely on Hamas. This clear-eyed stance reflects a commitment to strength, accountability, and the security of America’s closest ally in the region.