The US State Department on Tuesday denied reports that Yasser Abu Shabab, leader of Hamas opposition "Popular Forces" militia, met with key Trump adviser Jared Kushner at a US military base located south of Israel.
"This report is false - never happened," the State Department wrote on X/Twitter.
Saudi news outlet Al Hadath initially reported that the meeting centered around the evolving role of Abu Shabab's forces in the territories, where Hamas is set to withdraw from in accordance with the US-brokered Gaza deal.
Sources close to the event stated that the discussion primarily focused on the strategic positioning of Abu Shabab's forces in areas vacated by Hamas as the militant group retreats from key positions in Gaza.
The sources added that one of the primary concerns of the talks was securing the safe exit of Hamas fighters from the Rafah tunnels, which have long served as a critical logistical route for the group.
Abu Shabab reportedly met with Kushner amid Gaza ceasefire
It is believed that Abu Shabab's forces could play a pivotal role in facilitating the movement of Hamas fighters from these underground routes, potentially directing them to areas still under Hamas control. This move could have significant implications for the ongoing military operations in Gaza and the broader regional dynamics.
The meeting marks a rare direct engagement between key local figures and US officials, signaling potential shifts in the alliances and strategic positioning in the region. While the details of the discussion remain closely guarded, the meeting underscores the continuing complexity of the situation in Gaza and the involvement of various international actors.