Andy Burnham is embarking on a tour of the UK where he will champion a “ten-year plan to bring back hope”. This has been the language of the early stages of the Burnham premiership – in his first speech in Downing Street, he proclaimed it the moment when “Britain starts to believe again, the moment we bring back hope”.

Politicians invoking hope are sometimes denigrated as trite and vacuous – as if they are leading people on with empty rhetoric. Even Barack Obama, who used the rhetoric of hope in his 2008 US presidential campaign, was later mocked by Sarah Palin, running mate of Obama’s rival for the White House John McCain, about “that hopey, changey thing”.

Psychologists and philosophers have fleshed out what hope means as a distinct concept. Rather than just expecting the future to be better than the present somehow, hope is about being faced with uncertainty and believing it is possible to make that future better.

Giving people hope is about convincing them that it is possible to pursue that better future, either individually or collectively. For Burnham, a wide body of research suggests there are three kinds of hope in particular that he will – or should – be aiming to rekindle on his tour of the country.

Psychological hope

Psychologists make a critical distinction between hope and optimism. Optimism is about tending to believe that things will be better in the future, come what may. Hope is the conviction that it is possible to achieve goals we set out to reach: where there’s a will, there’s a way.

One popular psychological measure of hope involves splitting it into two dimensions. “Pathways” describe people’s ability to imagine the routes to a good outcome. “Agency” describes the motivation to pursue those pathways. Hopeful people are more likely to take action towards their goals because they can see the steps that might get them there, and feel empowered to follow them.

When it comes to voters, they will be better able to see pathways that politics clears for them. And they will feel more agency in pursuing them when politicians show them a route.

Understood in these terms, Burnham’s abstract emphasis on hope sits comfortably alongside his more concrete focus on giving people “room to breathe” with regard to the cost of living. If he can convince them that marginal relief on energy bills and bus fares are just the first step on the road to making life more affordable, people may be able to look beyond each month’s expenses and start hoping for meaningful improvements in their living standards.

Democratic hope

But in a democracy, hoping isn’t something that individuals do alone. Philosophers have written about democratic hope, arguing that democracy involves seeing ways to produce a better future together, in relation with our fellow citizens.

After all, in politics, the main source of uncertainty about how things will turn out is the actions of other people. So hoping for better from our politics involves believing and trusting in others to make choices in our collective interest.

Burnham has shown concern about the loss of such trust and respect between citizens. During his campaign for the Makerfield byelection, he lamented the “polarised” and “poisonous” direction of British politics. Inspiring hope for a brighter collective future could help Burnham put that right, by encouraging people to see that this prospect relies on cultivating better civic and democratic attitudes towards fellow citizens.

For example, the government’s plans to give people a bigger say about improving their high streets suggest an intention to bring communities together in the hope of making their everyday lives better. He may see these plans as a route to restoring the respect between citizens that he says is being lost.

Electoral hope

Finally, Burnham will be keen to boost hope in Labour’s electoral chances. In my work, I have developed the concept of “electoral hope”, explaining why people tend to believe that their preferred party stands a chance of winning an election.

The so-called “Burnham bounce” has seen Labour’s polling rise to overtake Reform UK for the first time in months. This followed Burnham’s appointment as prime minister and initial policy announcements.

A well-executed tour of the country in which Burnham convinces the public he can deliver on these priorities may consolidate that improved performance.

My research has found that (psychologically) hopeful people are the most inclined to expect their preferred party to win. But more positive polling of the kind Labour is now beginning to enjoy helps to get those who are otherwise low in psychological hope to get on board and start believing too.

And that could prove important, because creating the impression that the Labour party is best placed to beat Reform will be essential to winning the next election. To gain the support of voters in the so-called “left bloc”, who want to minimise the chances of a Reform victory, Labour will have to appear to be the most viable option in this group of progressive parties.

Hope, far from being mere rhetoric, can be a powerful force in politics. Whether Burnham’s tour of the UK, and the announcements made along the way, will be enough to inspire such hope remains to be seen.

Whilst in Egypt, Kushner also met Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. According to Israeli media reports, Kushner, Mladenov and Blair will meet Netanyahu on Monday with the aim of advancing Trump’s plan.

The Israeli prime minister has said he wants a full Hamas disarmament first in order to implement the deal.

“Israel rejects the Board of Peace’s 15-point document on Gaza. The IDF will not carry out any withdrawal until Hamas is genuinely disarmed,” Netanyahu said last week defying Israel’s closest ally.

In a joint statement on Sunday, Egypt, UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Turkey, Pakistan and Indonesia said Israel’s rejection of the US plan threatened Trump’s efforts for peace.

The ceasefire, which came into effect on 10 October last year, remains in place.

However, the Israel Defense Forces have carried out several strikes in Gaza since then – the latest on “terrorists” in Khan Yunis and Nuseirat areas of Gaza – accusing Hamas of breaking the truce.

The war was triggered by the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage.

Israel responded to the attack by launching a military campaign in Gaza, during which more than 73,000 people have been killed, according to the territory’s health ministry, whose figures are considered reliable by the UN.

The UN estimates that about 1.9 million people – 90% of Gaza’s population – have been displaced since the war started.

Andy Roche is the last resident in a doomed estate – but he refuses to leave the home he has lived in for 28 years.

A lone tenant is holding up plans to bulldoze a deserted corner of a doomed council estate after refusing to leave the only occupied flat among 126 homes earmarked for demolition.

Andy Roche, 51, is the final resident living in Zedburgh, one of seven 1960s apartment blocks at the Lower Falinge estate in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, which are facing the wrecking ball.

Six of the seven blocks have already been completely emptied, leaving Andy’s one-bedroom flat as the only occupied property in the 126 homes due to be demolished.

Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) wants to flatten the blocks and replace them with up to 270 new homes as part of a major regeneration scheme.

But Andy, who has lived in his flat for 28 years, has dug in his heels and insists he does not want to move.

He lives at the property with his partner, who is also autistic, and says they have specific needs which have made finding suitable alternative accommodation difficult.

The unemployed 51-year-old pays just £95 a week for the flat and says he still loves living there despite the increasingly deserted surroundings.

He says the estate’s green spaces, lack of traffic and familiarity of the area make it home.

Andy said: “We don’t want to leave this area – it’s where I’ve lived all my life since leaving my parents’ home.

“There’s never any trouble, and we like all of the green space.

“Because we’re both autistic, we have very specific needs when it comes to things like noise, smells and lights.

“We’ve given RBH a list of our housing needs – but they seem to be ignoring it.”

Andy claims some of the properties suggested by RBH would not meet those requirements, including one next to a pub and another close to a metalworks.

The standoff has left Andy and his partner living in increasingly eerie surroundings, with their flat surrounded by boarded-up windows and empty walkways.

Lower Falinge was built from 1968, with its deck-access blocks completed in stages into the early 1970s.

Today, Zedburgh is surrounded by six empty blocks – Ollerton, Newstead, Romsey, Quinton, Ullesthorpe and Vaynor.

Across the communal grassland, once-busy homes now stand empty behind sheets of plywood as the estate waits for its next phase of redevelopment.

Andy said the deserted surroundings had created an “eerie” atmosphere and left the couple feeling increasingly isolated.

He said: “We feel isolated. We worry about people breaking in when we’re out of the flat.”

Andy also claims people have started hanging around the empty estate since residents moved out and suspects some may be involved in drug dealing.

With neighbouring properties no longer being heated, he says his own home has also become colder and more expensive to keep warm.

He added: “When I hear someone outside, I think – have they come with machines to knock us down?

“When I hear the letterbox, my heart sinks because I think there’s going to be a letter saying that they’re taking us to court.

“This has been going on for so long that I’ve almost forgotten what it was like to live here before.”

Andy and his partner were served with a notice seeking possession in January as RBH attempts to move them out.

He described the situation as “so distressing”.

Andy said: “I can’t understate that. It’s almost a matter of life and death with how distressing it is.”

The latest regeneration plans come less than a year after campaigners successfully challenged an earlier attempt to demolish six of the blocks.

RBH had sought prior approval for the demolition, but residents challenged the decision through a judicial review and won.

The housing association has now returned with a wider proposal which also puts Zedburgh in the firing line.

RBH says the seven blocks have reached the end of their lifespan and can no longer provide the safe and warm homes residents need.

But Andy has questioned why other buildings from the same era have been refurbished rather than demolished, including work to address damp and mould.

Regeneration of Lower Falinge began in 2012 and RBH says three completed phases have already delivered 100 new homes.

The result is a stark divide between newly built properties and rows of boarded-up flats awaiting demolition.

In 2016, then-prime minister David Cameron famously described Lower Falinge as a “sink estate”.

RBH has not revealed a specific cost for the latest phase of the regeneration.

However, the housing association secured £55 million in new bank funding in January to invest in existing homes and support regeneration projects across Rochdale.

The plans include improved public spaces and better walking and cycling links to Rochdale town centre.

But while several other blocks earmarked for retention remain occupied, residents facing housing pressures have questioned why empty properties cannot be brought back into use.

Mum-of-six Gemma Lucas, 32, has spent three years living in temporary accommodation while waiting for a permanent council house.

She said: “We’re in a housing crisis – but those blocks are just sitting there empty waiting to get knocked down.

“Why can’t people move into them?”

RBH plans to submit an outline application for the redevelopment to Rochdale Council.

If approved, a further detailed application would still be required before demolition or construction work could begin.

An RBH spokesperson said: “We understand this is a very difficult situation for the customers involved, and we have been and will continue to work with them and their representatives to support them with finding a new home that meets their needs.

“The regeneration of Lower Falinge has been in progress over several years, in consultation with residents throughout.

“The seven blocks identified for demolition have been empty for several years and have reached the end of their life and can no longer provide the safe, warm homes our customers want and need to live healthy lives.

“We remain absolutely committed to supporting the one remaining household to move into suitable alternative accommodation.

“Since June 2025, we have made five offers of new homes, including properties within Lower Falinge and nearby. We will continue to provide tailored practical and financial support throughout the move alongside our partners.”

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A number of people have died and four people have been taken to hospital following a two-vehicle crash in County Kildare.

The collision occurred on on the M9 Northbound at Junction 3 at about 03:00 local time on Sunday.

Gardaí (Irish police) said a vehicle had been travelling on the wrong side of the carriageway when a head on collision occurred with a second car. They said there were a “number of fatalities”.

The driver and front passenger, both female and aged in their 30s, of the second car have been removed from the scene to Tallaght University Hospital and both remain in critical condition.

A female rear seat passenger, aged in her 20s, was taken to St. Luke’s General Hospital and is in a serious condition.

The third passenger, who is a child, has been removed to Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin and is in a serious condition.

The section of the M9 from Junction 3 to Junction 4 northbound and southbound remains closed with local diversions in place.

Irish broadcaster RTÉ have reported that gardaí said there was no pursuit taking place when the collision occurred.

Gardaí said Fiosrú (the Office of the Police Ombudsman) has been notified of the incident.

Fiosrú’s on-call team of investigators attended the scene and an independent investigation is ongoing.

The watchdog said a Fiosrú investigation relates to incidents involving contact with gardaí where a member of the public has died or been seriously injured.

It said a referral does not necessarily mean a garda or gardaí have been accused of wrongdoing.

“Instead, it means that Fiosrú should independently investigate the incident to ascertain whether or not the act or omission of a garda or gardaí may have resulted in the death of, or serious harm to, a person,” it added.

Two people died and and hundreds were evacuated after two fires broke out “almost simultaneously” on a Greek island near Athens on Sunday afternoon, officials said.

About 200 firefighters were deployed to keep the twin fires from converging on the island of Salamina, which was under a high wildfire risk on Sunday.

The first blaze was reported at 14:40 local time (11:40 GMT) near the island’s south coast and spread rapidly due to high winds, followed by a separate fire some 20 minutes later in the east. Their cause is not yet known.

One of the fires had been brought under control and evacuations completed by Sunday evening, Greek media report, with 500 people having left the island by sea.

The first blaze broke out in a forested residential area in Peristeria, a southern city on the island, fire official Vasilios Vathrakoyannis said in a statement.

Firefighters attending the blaze found two bodies at the scene, he said. The city’s mayor told Greek media they were believed to have been a couple.

Firefighters continued to battle scattered blazes there late on Sunday, while the second fire which began in the eastern town of Selinia was said to have “no active front”.

Two coast guard vessels and a fire department vessel will remain in the area for surveillance and assistance.

At least 10 other people suffered burns or showed “symptoms of smoke inhalation”, five of whom had been taken for treatment locally, Greek Health Minister Adonis Georgiades said on X.

A number of aircraft and 50 fire engines, assisted by water tankers and construction machinery, were deployed to try and tackle the two fires.

Salamina Deputy Mayor Thodoris Zannis earlier said this was to keep the fires from burning over a mountain on the island and meeting to form a single blaze.

Barcelona have agreed a deal to sign Spain captain Rodri from Manchester City for about £65m

The 30-year-old, who won the Ballon d’Or in 2024, is set to sign a four-year deal with the Spanish champions.

The transfer is expected to be completed in the coming days.

Rodri made 298 appearances across seven trophy-laden seasons at City after joining them from Atletico Madrid in 2019 for a then club record £62.8m.

He missed much of the 2024-25 campaign after sustaining a serious knee injury, and parts of last season were disrupted by a hamstring issue.

However, he was back to his best at the World Cup in the summer, leading Spain to their second title and being named player of the tournament.

Rodri leaves City having won 12 major honours, including four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three EFL Cups and the Champions League in 2022-23.

By ANNA WRIGHT, US REPORTER

Published: 20:17 BST, 16 August 2026 | Updated: 20:32 BST, 16 August 2026

A battered Marine pilot ejected from his fighter jet moments before it slammed into a mountainside in Washington state – and miraculously walked away nearly unscathed. 

The narrowly spared pilot was flying an F/A-18 Hornet during routine training on June 13, when he experienced a ‘non-combat aviation mishap’ that sent the jet crashing into a mountainside, according to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing.

Shocking new video shows the bloodied, shaken pilot approaching Yakima County officers while on the phone with 911. 

An officer asked the pilot what kind of aircraft he was flying, to which he responded: ‘That’s an F-18. Well, that was an F-18.’ 

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He added: ‘We were doing circles over the lake, doing some low-level training. And then I tucked in, and I’m not sure exactly.’

A witness in the footage chimed in, turning to the pilot and saying: ‘You hit the tree bad, bud.’

Later in the video, the shaken pilot can be seen calling to alert others about the crash. 

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Shocking new video shows the bloodied, shaken pilot approaching officers after he ejected from his aircraft

When the aircraft slammed into the mountainside, it sent a plume of black smoke into the sky and sparked a raging wildfire

 

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 ‘Hey, buddy, I just crashed,’ the pilot says before the footage cuts to his parachute dangling from a tree.

The pilot told officers he went through trees during his descent after ejecting, as they examined his bloody face, which appeared to have suffered parachute-related lacerations.

The aircraft slammed into a mountainside near Rimrock Lake, about 55 miles southeast of Seattle.

When the aircraft slammed into the mountainside, it sent a plume of black smoke into the sky and sparked a raging wildfire.  

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The pilot, whose name has not been released, is assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 11, part of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, in Miramar, California.

Multiple witnesses called 911 to report the crash, including one woman who could be heard sobbing as she described the accident, Scripps News reported.

‘I just witnessed a jet crash, and there’s fire,’ she told the dispatcher in audio obtained by the outlet.

The pilot, whose name has not been released, is assigned to Marine Aircraft Group 11, part of the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, in Miramar, California

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Multiple witnesses called 911 to report the crash, including one woman who could be heard sobbing as she described the accident

The outlet also obtained the pilot’s 911 call, in which he said: ‘I’m on the other side of the ridge.

‘I do see a fire burning to the south of the road. I can’t tell how bad that fire is.’

The charred fighter jet was worth close to a staggering $67 million, a military spokesperson told the outlet. 

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A Welsh fire service chief has stated that fire crews are working on six serious blazes in south Wales, currently. As South Wales Fire and Rescue (SWFRS) continue to deal with 14 as a whole, six locations are “areas of significant focus,” on Sunday, August 16.

Those areas are:

• Blaenavon
• Dowlais, Merthyr Tydfil
• Darran Park, Ferndale
• Cwm, Ebbw Vale
• Wattsville
• Treherbert

The service is bringing in helicopter and drone support, while the ongoing response continues to be supported by several fire and rescue services from across the UK and teams from the British Army are deployed on the ground, creating fire breaks and clearing vegetation.

Military assistance is also helping with logistics, including the transportation of large quantities of firefighting water to the incident ground. This effort is proving highly effective and is helping us sustain operations during this period of heightened demand.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer and Director of Service Delivery, Matthew Jones said: “The support provided by our military colleagues during this wildfire has been exceptional. Their professionalism, commitment, and willingness to work alongside our firefighters have made a real difference in what has been a challenging and demanding incident.

“From supporting our operational activity on the ground to helping us protect communities and manage the wider response, they have shown exactly what can be achieved when emergency services and the military work together. On behalf of South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, I would like to thank everyone involved for their outstanding support.”

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The SWFRS also stated that they are asking the public for help and to play their part in helping prevent further wildfires by asking residents, landowners, and visitors to:

• · Report any suspicious behaviour or deliberate fire setting to police by calling 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111
• · Only call 999 if you have a new emergency to report to the Fire Service
• · Do not use disposable barbecues
• · Avoid using firepits, garden incinerators or fireworks
• · Close your windows and doors if you are affected by smoke
• · If your health is affected by smoke, please seek appropriate medical guidance
• · Follow advice from emergency services and local authorities
• · Avoid incident areas and follow any local traffic diversions
• · Do not fly drones near incidents as can disrupt operational activity

Our thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones

Tributes have been paid to a ‘down-to-earth’ man who died suddenly at home. Announcing the passing of a loved one in local news media is a long standing tradition and we are proud of the trust placed in us to make these important announcements.

Every notice published to our newspaper and news site also appears on funeral-notices.co.uk – the UK’s number one site for death notices and memoriams. Every notice remains online forever providing friends and families with a lifelong tribute to their loved one, a safe place online to share memories, add tributes, photographs and make donations in memory.

Each week we pay tribute to the loved ones remembered in our area with a funeral notice and online tribute page. To read the latest announcements and add tributes to those from our area who have passed away, or to create a funeral notice yourself, click here. Alternatively, you can create a notice by calling our helpful team on 01482 908084.

Here are a selection of notices published earlier this week.

Death Notices

(Scottie) Passed away suddenly at home on 5th August 2026. Scottie was a down-to-earth man who will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. He was a loving and devoted Dad to Juliette, Oliver and Matilda, and a much-loved Grandad to Louis. Scottie’s passing has left a great sadness for his family, who will hold close the many memories they shared with him. A private family service will take place. For any further details, please contact the family directly.

Of Orwell, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 2nd 2026, in Addenbrookes Hospital, aged 96 years. Beloved husband of the late Doreen, loving father of Elizabeth and Gary and sadly missed by all his family and friends. Funeral service on Tuesday, August 25th at 12-30pm at Cambridge City Crematorium, East Chapel. No flowers by request, donations are gratefully accepted for The Royal Papworth Hospital Charity which may be made via his ‘donate in memory’ page at www.jeremyrulefunerals.co.uk or cash donations may be given at the funeral.

Of Melbourn, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 2nd 2026, in a care home in Melbourn, aged 94 years. Beloved husband of Pat, loving father of Suzanne and Gregory and a much-loved grandfather and great grandfather. Ken will be sadly missed by all his family and many friends. A private burial will take place. A Service of Thanksgiving for Ken’s life will be held on Wednesday August 26th at 12noon at Melbourn United Reformed Church. Family flowers only please, donations are gratefully accepted for Alzheimer’s Research UK and may be made via his ‘donate in memory’ page at www.jeremyrulefunerals.co.uk or cash donations may be given at the service.

of Sawston and formerly of Hildersham, passed away suddenly at Addenbrooke’s Hospital on Sunday 26th July 2026, aged 58 years. Beloved partner of Sarah, much loved son of the late Reuben and May Dry, dearly loved brother of Maggie, brother-in-law, uncle, great-uncle, son-in-law, and friend. Maurice will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Funeral Service at Cam Valley Crematorium, Great Chesterford, CB10 2FE on Friday 4th September at 11.30am. If wished, please wear a touch of red. Family Flowers only please, but if wished donations may be made payable to British Heart Foundation or East Anglian Air Ambulance sent c/o H. J. Paintin Ltd, 43 High Street, Linton, Cambridge, CB21 4HS.

Sadly passed away at home on Monday 13th July 2026 aged 61 years. The funeral service in memory of Craig will be held at Peterborough Crematorium on Monday 24th August 2026 at 09:30am. For any enquiries, please contact Central Co-op Funeral Service, Fitzwilliam Street, Peterborough, PE1 2RX Tel: 01733 763366

(Philip) Suddenly at Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge on Saturday 25th July 2026, Howard aged 76 years. The dearly loved husband of Jackie, a devoted father and grandad, adored brother, uncle, great uncle, neighbour and friend. Funeral service and interment at The Arbory Trust, Barton on Tuesday 25th August 2026 at 11.30am. Family flowers only please, donations in Howard’s memory for The Fire Fighters Charity, can made at the service or online to the charity https://firefighterscharity.tributefunds.org.uk/In-Memory/Howard-Morley Funeral services entrusted to Woodland Wishes Funeral Services, 4 High Street, Fulbourn, Cambridge CB21 5DH. Tel:01223 880002

Of St Ives, formerly of Soham, went to be with the Lord, on August 5th 2026 aged 81 years. Dear Husband of Sheila for 61 years, Loving Brother of Margaret and Uncle of Mark and Stuart. Richard worked at Cambridge Magistrates Court for 27 years. A Thanksgiving Service to take place at Huntingdon Crematorium, on Friday September 11th 2026 at 12 Noon, followed by Interment at Ramsey Road Cemetery, St Ives. Family flowers only, donations if desired made payable to Through Faith Missions or Ely and District Cat’s Protection, may be sent c/o Easton and Cook Independent Funeral Service, 2B Harding Way, St Ives, Cambs, PE27 3WR, Tel 01480 301400

(Sue) Peacefully passed away on the 1st August 2026, aged 74 years. Beloved Wife, Mother and Nanny who will be sadly missed. A Church service will take place on Tuesday 18th August at 2.30pm at St Laurence’s Church, Foxton, CB22 6RP Family flowers only please. If desired, donations for Addenbrookes Charitable Trust (ACT) may be made via Sue’s In Memory Page at www.newlingsofroyston.co.uk or sent to Newlings of Royston, Fish Hill, Royston SG8 9LB Tel: 01763 242375

Died peacefully at Addenbrookes Hospital on 28th July 2026. She was a beloved wife the late Stuart, and loving mum to Lynne and Dawn and mother-in-law to Peter and Nigel, special grandma to Eleanor, Annabel and Charlotte and great-nanna to Thaddeus, Milo and Rafi. The funeral service and celebration of her life will be at 11.30 am at The Salvation Army Hall, Cottenham on Monday 24th August 2026. Family flowers only, but donations to Camsight and RNIB Talking Books can be made at the service or sent c/o Richard Stebbings Funeral Services Limited, Kendal House, Cambridge Road, Impington, Cambridge, CB24 9YS

In Memoriams

In loving memory of my dear mum, who died August 14th 1992. Also remembering my dear auntie Edna Fisher, who died September 5th 2012. Love and miss you. Paula

To add your own tributes to the loved ones from our area, or to publish a notice for your loved one, visit funeral-notices.co.uk

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those we have lost.

In a renewed diplomatic effort to advance the stalled Gaza ceasefire, U.S. negotiator and President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner held a rare meeting with the Hamas chief on Sunday.

Kushner is slated to meet with Israel’s prime minister on Monday in discussions aimed at saving a 15-point, U.S.-backed roadmap that requires Hamas to disarm in Gaza and Israel to pull back its forces from the war-torn Palestinian territory.

At stake is the survival of approximately 2 million people in Gaza and the rebuilding of the densely populated enclave, which remains mostly under the control of Israeli forces more than 10 months after the ceasefire halted major military operations. A meeting last year between Kushner, fellow envoy Steve Witkoff, and Hamas leaders in Egypt helped secure the original ceasefire, which has since stalled over the key requirement of Hamas’ disarmament.

Confirmation of the rare meeting in Egypt with Hamas’ Khalil al-Hayya came from a regional official and a Hamas official, both speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to address reporters. Kushner belonged to a three-member envoy delegation meeting al-Hayya, alongside mediating officials from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly rejected the 15-point roadmap last week in a rare show of defiance toward the Trump administration, Israel’s chief ally.

Kushner, former British prime minister Tony Blair, and Nickolay Mladenov—director of the U.S.-established Board of Peace overseeing the ceasefire—are now scheduled to meet with Netanyahu on Monday, according to diplomatic and knowledgeable sources speaking on condition of anonymity.

Ahead of Monday’s talks, several regional powers, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, issued a joint statement condemning Israel’s rejection of the plan, declaring that “Israel now bears responsibility for obstructing the efforts to bring peace in Gaza.” Other signatories included Jordan, Pakistan, Indonesia, and the ceasefire mediators.

The foreign ministers’ statement also called on the U.S. and the Board of Peace to execute “immediate and concrete measures” to stop any party from blocking the implementation of the plan.

The regional official noted that Kushner’s meeting with the Hamas leader was designed to guarantee the group’s adherence to the roadmap, particularly concerning disarmament, prior to his sitting down with Netanyahu.

A Hamas official stated that the group remains committed and is awaiting mediators to initiate the 14-day negotiation window to establish an implementation schedule. That phase requires all parties to approve the roadmap before starting.

The official added that the Hamas leader insisted Israel cease its attacks on Gaza and pull back to the poorly defined “yellow line” separating the territory before implementation begins. Israeli forces have advanced past that line and currently control around 60% of Gaza.

In May, Netanyahu expressed intentions to expand control to 70%, saying Israel was “tightening the grip” on Hamas “from every direction.”

The White House referred questions regarding Kushner’s discussions to the Board of Peace, which offered no immediate comment. The Tony Blair Institute also declined to comment.

Under the roadmap, Hamas would surrender weapons to a Palestinian technocratic committee designated to oversee daily administration in the enclave. The committee has not yet entered Gaza. However, Hamas has conditioned the surrender of its heaviest arms on the creation of a Palestinian state, a condition rejected by Israel’s government.

The roadmap outlines a gradual surrender of weapons by Hamas while Israeli forces halt attacks and begin withdrawing. Yet Netanyahu maintains Israel will not pull back from any position in Gaza until Hamas is totally disarmed.

This impasse leaves other components of the ceasefire, including reconstruction and the placement of international forces to divide Israeli troops from committee-governed areas, on hold.

Netanyahu faces a challenging Oct. 27 election as he attempts to retain power with a coalition featuring hardline ministers on Gaza policy. The political timeline also overlaps with the upcoming anniversary of the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on southern Israel that triggered the war.

On Sunday, Netanyahu’s Likud party answered the regional powers’ statement by asserting that “Arab states want to topple” Netanyahu so centrist candidate Gadi Eisenkot and center-left leader Yair Golan “will give them everything they want. That will not happen.”