Who Is Jared Kushner?
Jared Kushner is an American investor, businessman, and former top counselor to his father-in-law, President Donald Trump. Kushner, the son of real estate developer Charles Kushner, was born in Livingston, New Jersey, in 1981. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Harvard University and dual degrees in law and business from New York University. Kushner married Ivanka Trump in 2009, and the couple has three children.
Professionally, Kushner took over his family’s real estate business in 2008 and served as CEO until 2017. He also bought the New York Observer in 2006, later taking it online-only before selling his stake in 2017. After leaving the White House, he founded the private equity firm Affinity Partners, which focuses on investments in American and Israeli companies.
What Is Kushner’s Role in the Gaza Peace Deal?
Kushner made a comeback to the public eye in early October 2025 when he assisted in negotiating a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas at Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. He accompanied Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy, in facilitating talks to arrange for the partial departure of Israeli troops and the release of captives.
Trump publicly praised Kushner, saying, “I have Jared. Find anybody more capable. And we have the A-plus team working on it.” Administration officials and allies credited Kushner’s relationships in the region with helping negotiators from Arab countries feel comfortable during talks. A White House official noted that Kushner is expected to remain involved in the next phases of the negotiations.
Also Read: Leap of Faith: Hamas’s Calculated Risk on a Trump-Brokered Truce | Why Hamas is Betting on Trump?
What Does the Ceasefire Include?
The ceasefire agreement, effective Friday at noon local time, includes:
- Israel releasing around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners
- Opening the border crossing with Egypt
- Allowing humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza
- Israeli troops withdrawing to agreed deployment lines
The announcement came shortly after Israel’s Cabinet approved President Trump’s plan for the ceasefire and the release of remaining hostages and Palestinian prisoners. A senior US official highlighted the delicate nature of the process, saying, “There are still many ways this can go wrong. We’re monitoring the details closely to ensure everyone fulfills their obligations.”
What Are Kushner’s Other Recent Activities?
In September 2025, Kushner’s firm, Affinity Partners, participated in a $55 billion leveraged buyout of the video game company Electronic Arts, alongside Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and Silver Lake. Kushner has also been a member of the Indian Creek Village Council in Florida, a “billionaire bunker,” since July 2024. Affinity Partners keeps raising billions in investments, especially from Gulf sovereign wealth funds, which has garnered criticism from ethics experts due to his past White House job.
Also Read: ‘No Reason to Meet’: Trump Threatens Massive Tariff Hike Over China’s Rare Earth Export Controls
Why Is Kushner Important in Middle East Diplomacy?
Kushner previously played a key role in the Abraham Accords in 2020, normalizing relations between Israel and several Arab nations. His personal connections and Middle East diplomatic experience make him a key player in delicate discussions like the ceasefire in Gaza.
