Trump Chairs Meeting on Post-War Gaza, Seeking Accelerated End to Conflict
U.S. President Donald Trump chaired a significant meeting at the White House with officials including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and his son-in-law Jared Kushner. The meeting, held on Wednesday, was aimed at discussing plans for post-war Gaza and accelerating the end to the ongoing conflict. Trump's push comes as Israel continues its Gaza City offensive, warning of inevitable
displacement.
Background and Context
The meeting comes amid escalating tensions as Israel intensifies its offensive in Gaza City. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has reportedly ordered a rapid operation to besiege
Gaza City, stating anyone who doesn’t flee can die of hunger or surrender
. This has raised international concerns, with all members of the United Nations Security Council except the US acknowledging the famine in Gaza as a manmade crisis
. Israel's Defense Minister, Israel Katz, has also warned that soon, the gates of hell will open
if Hamas does not agree to Israel’s conditions for ending the war.
Key Developments
During the meeting, Trump reportedly pressured Israel to speed up its military operations in the Gaza Strip to end the war as soon as possible. The U.S. president stated he expected Israel's war on Gaza to end within two to three weeks
, while Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, projected the war would be finished by the end of the year. Witkoff also mentioned a comprehensive
plan being put together, describing it as robust
and well-meaning
, reflecting President Trump's humanitarian motives
.
According to the former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, the post-war plan for Gaza includes transforming the region into a commercial hub and a holiday resort. The proposal, often referred to as the 'Gaza Riviera' project, was presented by Blair and received consultation from Kushner, who is Trump's former Middle East envoy.
Reactions and Implications
Despite the high-level attendance and the gravity of the issues discussed, a White House official downplayed the significance of the meeting, describing it as a 'simple policy' session. The official's statement contrasts with Witkoff's characterization of the meeting as a 'large meeting' to discuss the administration's comprehensive plan for post-war Gaza.
Meanwhile, Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar met with his U.S. counterpart Marco Rubio at the U.S. State Department. While it's unclear whether Sa'ar participated in the White House meeting, his presence in Washington DC could indicate his involvement in the ongoing discussions about Gaza's future.
Current Status
To date, the details of the post-war plan for Gaza discussed in the White House meeting are yet to emerge. As Israel continues its offensive in Gaza City, international attention remains focused on the region's future. The outcome of these discussions could shape the course of the rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East.