In the wake of his call for a cessation of the Gaza war at the UNGA in New York, Donald Trump engaged in a high-level meeting with key Arab and Muslim leaders. This gathering occurred during a period of heightened focus on US diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, as the Israel-Hamas conflict continues to roil the region.
The United States faces the challenge of collaborating with its Arab allies to forge a path toward stability, given the widespread instability caused by the ongoing conflict. While Trump refrained from directly addressing the press post-meeting, his actions, including a simple wave, sparked speculation. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff offered an encouraging gesture to journalists, suggesting positive discussions.
The meeting’s attendees included leaders from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Indonesia, and Pakistan. The focus was on securing a lasting ceasefire in Gaza, ensuring the safe return of all hostages, and facilitating the delivery of humanitarian assistance. Trump had previously underscored the meeting’s significance, calling for an end to the protracted conflict.
He underscored the urgency of addressing the hostage situation and the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan described the discussions as productive, hinting at an upcoming joint declaration but remaining tight-lipped about its details.
The meeting did not yield specifics regarding the Palestinian issue. Trump, however, clarified during his UNGA address that recognizing Palestine would be tantamount to rewarding Hamas. He criticized those who seek to unilaterally recognize Palestine, asserting that such a move would be a reward for Hamas. Trump reiterated the necessity of the hostages’ release, expressing the desire to see all of them returned safely.
Though the meeting’s tangible outcomes are yet to be determined, it’s apparent that Arab nations are increasingly prioritizing the cessation of the Gaza war, with hostage release and humanitarian aid topping the list. The effectiveness of this meeting in generating concrete action to end the Gaza war, or whether it will merely be a diplomatic exercise, is yet to be seen.