Trump to Meet Qatar’s PM to Negotiate Gaza Ceasefire
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is set to meet Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, in Doha as part of a renewed diplomatic push to broker a ceasefire in Gaza. The meeting comes amid stalled negotiations and rising humanitarian concerns, with hopes that Trump’s intervention could break the deadlock between Israel and Hamas over a U.S.-backed 60-day truce plan.
The proposed ceasefire—developed through months of mediation by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt—includes multiple components: the phased release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, the return of the remains of deceased hostages, a gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops from parts of Gaza, and the delivery of critical humanitarian aid. Despite initial progress, talks have faltered over the finer details, especially the scope and timing of the Israeli military pullback and Hamas’ demands for guarantees.
Trump’s meeting with Qatar’s Prime Minister is viewed as a high-profile attempt to revive momentum. Qatar has played a pivotal role as a go-between for Hamas and the international community, given its political and financial ties with the group. Trump, who has positioned himself as a dealmaker throughout his political career, is expected to use his personal rapport with both Israeli leadership and Gulf Arab leaders to nudge the parties toward a breakthrough.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Trump plans to emphasize the urgency of a ceasefire on humanitarian grounds. Since the war began in October 2023, over 58,000 Palestinians have been killed, and Gaza’s infrastructure has collapsed. Hospitals face severe shortages of fuel and medical supplies, and access to clean water and food remains dangerously limited. Aid groups have warned that without a sustained ceasefire, the humanitarian situation could spiral into a full-scale famine.
For Israel, a ceasefire could allow for the recovery of hostages and a temporary reduction in combat operations. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government remains divided, with far-right members opposed to any withdrawal or concessions to Hamas. Netanyahu has insisted that Israel must retain security control over Gaza and dismantle Hamas’ military capabilities. Meanwhile, Hamas continues to demand a full Israeli withdrawal and international guarantees for Palestinian sovereignty in Gaza.
Trump’s diplomatic engagement also carries political weight. As he positions himself for a potential return to the White House in 2024, foreign policy credentials—especially in the Middle East—could bolster his campaign narrative. During his presidency, Trump secured normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab states through the Abraham Accords, a legacy he often touts.
In addition to the Gaza ceasefire, Trump and Sheikh Mohammed are expected to discuss broader regional stability, including the status of Iran’s nuclear program and Gulf security issues. Qatar’s role as a mediator and host of key dialogues has elevated its importance in the region, particularly as the conflict in Gaza continues to reverberate across neighboring states.
While expectations remain cautious, today’s meeting in Doha could mark a turning point—if Trump is able to leverage Qatar’s influence and broker concessions on both sides. Whether that results in a ceasefire or merely delays further violence remains to be seen.