High-Level Meeting During UNGA On Tuesday, U.S. President Donald Trump met with leaders of Muslim-majority countries on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, focusing on the Gaza crisis and the broader Middle East situation.
Countries that participated included Pakistan, Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Egypt, the UAE, and Jordan.
Trump praised the leaders, saying:
“You all have done an excellent job, which is admirable.”
The 50-minute meeting highlighted strategies for ending the war in Gaza, as well as plans for a post-conflict settlement.
Erdogan: Discussions Were “Highly Fruitful”
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan described the talks as “highly effective”.
Turkey, a NATO member, has been one of Israel’s strongest critics, accusing it of committing genocide in Gaza. Ankara has:
- Suspended all trade with Israel
- Called for global actions against Tel Aviv
- Demanded an immediate ceasefire
Erdogan also hinted at a joint declaration, expressing satisfaction with the meeting’s outcomes.
Trump’s Gaza Strategy
After the meeting, President Trump emphasized that the war could end soon.
“We will conclude something that we did not initiate.”
According to U.S. media outlets, Trump’s strategy includes:
- An Israeli pullout from Gaza
- A post-war administration without Hamas involvement
- Deployment of Arab and Muslim troops in Gaza to support Israel’s withdrawal
- Financial assistance for transition and reconstruction
Reports suggest the plan was not authored by Israel, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been briefed. Al Jazeera noted that the proposal could involve the Palestinian Authority (PA), though Israel remains skeptical.
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Focus on Ceasefire and Humanitarian Aid
The Emirati news agency WAM reported that discussions centered on:
- Establishing a lasting ceasefire in Gaza
- The release of hostages
- Addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis
Israel Faces Global Scrutiny
Israel’s military operations in Gaza have drawn widespread international condemnation. According to local health officials, over 65,000 Palestinians have been killed.
Recently, Netanyahu’s government launched a major ground offensive in Gaza City, despite mounting global calls for a truce.
Meanwhile, the U.S. continues to strongly back Israel, even boycotting a peace summit organized by France and Saudi Arabia, which gathered global leaders in New York in support of a Palestinian state.
UN Backs Palestinian Statehood
At the UN Security Council, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reiterated his support for Palestinian recognition:
“This represents the most straightforward route to a two-State solution: Israel alongside a sovereign, independent, democratic, viable, and connected State of Palestine.”
He urged nations to use the current momentum to push for a lasting resolution.
