Trump Thanks Qatar for Mediation as Talks on Gaza Plan Continue - Salam
As-salamu alaykum. US President Donald Trump expressed gratitude to Qatar for its role in helping secure a ceasefire in Gaza while Israeli strikes and restrictions on aid continued to affect Palestinians.
Trump met with Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani aboard Air Force One during a refuelling stop in Qatar on his way to a summit in Malaysia. “We’ve done a lot together, especially in the last year,” he said, praising Qatar’s contribution to efforts for peace in the region and thanking them for their role.
The Qatari Emir said he was glad to meet Trump and described the talks as a good chance to discuss peace plans for the Middle East, follow up on efforts to solidify the agreement to end the war in Gaza, and look into ways the two friendly countries might cooperate strategically.
Senior US officials recently visited the region as Washington works on phase two of its Gaza plan, including questions about disarming armed groups and the possible deployment of an international stabilisation force. Observers say key details remain unclear, such as how disarmament would be carried out and how an international force would operate.
After the meeting, Trump told reporters he hoped the truce would hold and warned that if it did not, armed groups would be dealt with quickly. He also suggested that Qatari troops and those from other nations might be part of a multinational stabilisation force for Gaza, saying dozens of countries had expressed interest and that leaders were being identified.
Qatari officials said the discussions covered supporting regional peace, consolidating the agreement to end the war in Gaza, and ensuring all parties implement its terms. Qatari and US cooperation was highlighted as important to move negotiations forward.
Reporting from the region noted continued pressure from Israel and the US on Hamas to return the remains of Israelis taken during the October 7, 2023 attacks, a point that has caused tension in the talks. Hamas has said it needs more time to reach some areas after heavy bombardment.
Meanwhile, violence persists on the ground. Israeli forces carried out a strike on a vehicle in the Nuseirat refugee camp that killed at least one person and wounded others; the Israeli military said it targeted a member of Palestinian Islamic Jihad allegedly planning attacks. Local reporters described the strike as another breach of an already fragile ceasefire, noting many alleged violations in recent weeks that have harmed displaced families and affected agricultural areas.
US officials told reporters they believe the deal is moving forward but acknowledged more work is needed. Discussions are expected about whether a United Nations resolution or international agreement will be required to authorise any multinational force in Gaza, since some countries need such mandates for legal reasons.
Overall, the message from the US was that Qatar’s mediation is central to the process, and further steps will involve consultation with Qatari negotiators as parties try to move from one phase of the plan to the next. May Allah grant peace and protection to the innocent and ease the suffering of those affected.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news