Trump Meets Muslim Leaders to Discuss Gaza Plan, Cites Meeting as 'Significant'
US President Donald Trump convened a high-level meeting with leaders from Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Indonesia, and Pakistan on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. The meeting aimed to discuss a proposal for peace and post-war governance in Gaza, with Pakistan's Prime Minister Sharif also present.
Background and Context
The meeting was held amidst the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, where more than two million people are enduring a catastrophe, according to Ahmet Davutoglu, the former prime minister of Turkey. Davutoglu has urged the UN to act urgently on Gaza or risk collapse, asserting that the situation there defies humanity. The UN General Assembly session provided an opportunity for world leaders to confront Israel's assault on Gaza.
Key Developments
The US President, as reported by Axios, intended to present a plan centering on ending the war, freeing captives, and setting up a governance structure that excludes Hamas. Washington also seeks commitments from Arab and Muslim states to commit troops to Gaza to facilitate an Israeli withdrawal and to help fund reconstruction and transitional programmes.
During the meeting, Trump expressed confidence in the gathered leaders, stating, I think we'll be able to do it. This is the group that can do it,
adding that it was his most important meeting. He further highlighted the importance of negotiating the release of captives in Israel.
Reactions and Implications
The Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim expressed their sole reason for being at the meeting, “The only reason we are here is to stop the war and bring the hostages back, and we count on you and your leadership as well to end this war and to help the people of Gaza.”
Turkish President Erdogan described the meeting as “very fruitful” and expressed satisfaction with the outcome. He further mentioned that a joint declaration from the meeting would be published soon.
Current Status
The meeting, viewed as quite significant by an unnamed US official, focused on a proposal for ending the war in Gaza, which US President Trump insists he will achieve. As the UN General Assembly proceeds, the world awaits the implementation of these discussed plans and their potential impact on the future of Gaza.
Despite the discussions, the White House has not immediately commented on the outcome of the meeting. The world and the people of Gaza now wait in anticipation for the realization of these plans and their potential to bring about change.