Background
According to Reuters, U.S. President Donald Trump had pledged during the 2024 election campaign to bring a swift end to the war in Gaza. Despite a two-month ceasefire at the start of his term, Israeli strikes resumed in March, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of Palestinians and worsening humanitarian conditions in the territory.
What Happened:
U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff announced that President Trump will chair a White House meeting on Gaza on Wednesday. The U.S. State Department also confirmed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar at the State Department at 1515 ET (1915 GMT) on the same day. Witkoff said the administration expects the Gaza conflict to be resolved by the end of the year.
Why It Matters:
The Gaza war has caused over 62,000 Palestinian deaths, created a hunger crisis, displaced the entire population, and prompted international accusations of genocide and war crimes, which Israel denies. The White House meeting signals U.S. efforts to push for a resolution and manage international pressure on Israel while addressing the humanitarian crisis.
Stakeholder Reactions:
Steve Witkoff said on Fox News: “Yes, we’ve got a large meeting in the White House tomorrow, chaired by the president, and it’s a very comprehensive plan we’re putting together on the next day.”
On Israel’s role and hostages, Witkoff added: “We think that we’re going to settle this one way or another, certainly before the end of this year.”
Witkoff also noted that Israel is open to continuing discussions with Hamas, which has signaled willingness to negotiate.
What’s Next:
President Trump’s meeting with senior U.S. and Israeli officials aims to establish a post-war plan for Gaza. Observers will be watching how the discussions influence ongoing humanitarian relief, potential ceasefire agreements, and broader U.S. diplomatic engagement in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
