Dear MEPIN Readers,
With President Trump’s closest negotiators—Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner—now in Cairo alongside Ron Dermer and the Israeli team, the stakes for shaping a Gaza ceasefire and potential endgame have never been higher. At the same time, Qatari and Egyptian envoys are meeting directly with Hamas leadership, underscoring the competing pressures in play.
In my latest interview, I address the central policy dilemmas:
- Why Hamas seeks to prolong negotiations, and how Qatar—its chief benefactor—may shape U.S. negotiating flexibility.
- Whether Hamas will surrender its leverage by releasing all hostages, both living and deceased.
- If Israel will retain the right to strike terrorists in designated ceasefire zones, as it routinely does against Hezbollah in Lebanon.
- Why Israel must “hope for the best, but plan for the worst,” coordinating closely with Washington while preparing for multiple contingencies.
- The critical decision point ahead: If Hamas refuses to disarm, will President Trump unequivocally stand with Israel’s security needs, or tilt toward Qatar’s position as it backs Hamas’s demands?
I invite you to watch the discussion and share your perspectives.