Trump's White House Meeting: Post-War Gaza Plans & Hamas Negotiation Efforts

Trump Meeting Focuses on Post-War Gaza Plans

The Wall Street Journal reported that former U.S. President Donald Trump held a meeting at the White House on Wednesday to discuss post-war plans for Gaza and efforts to break the deadlock in talks between Israel and Hamas. The meeting included Trump's senior national security aides and top Israeli officials. The goal is to restart efforts to end the war before next month's United Nations summit, where Israel hopes to prevent other Western nations from recognizing a Palestinian state.

Growing Pressure on Israel

Israel faces increasing domestic and international pressure to end the war, amid a dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza and concerns for the safety of hostages held by Hamas. The U.S. and Israel are seeking to develop a joint plan to address these issues.

Witkoff's Peace Initiative

Prior to the meeting, Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, expressed the White House's belief that it is possible to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by the end of the year. Witkoff described the plan as "very comprehensive" and "embodies President Trump's humanitarian motivations here."

Key Details of the Discussions

Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, a close confidant of Prime Minister Netanyahu, led the discussions on behalf of Israel. Senator Marco Rubio held a separate meeting with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar. Israel aims to have a post-war Gaza plan in place before the UN General Assembly convenes in September. The plan aims to counter the potential recognition of a Palestinian state by countries like France and Canada. Both the U.S. and Israel condemn these moves, arguing that they would reward Hamas for its attack on October 7, 2023.

Israeli Proposals to End the Conflict

Earlier this month, Israel’s security cabinet approved five principles for ending the conflict, including the demilitarization of Gaza, the disarmament of Hamas, its replacement with an alternative civilian governing body, and continued Israeli control over security in the region. Hamas rejected these conditions, which Arab mediators and hostage families have called unrealistic and designed to scuttle a deal.

Lack of Comprehensive Arab Plan

Arab mediators claim that neither Israel nor the U.S. has yet presented any comprehensive plan for ending the conflict in Gaza or details about post-war arrangements to Arab nations. The U.S. has been working closely with Arab nations on a ceasefire agreement and post-war planning, with Arab nations playing a leading role in talks between Hamas and Israel.

Potential US Role in Gaza Governance

Senior U.S. officials indicate that former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner also joined the meeting to brief Trump on post-war planning for Gaza, which could include U.S. involvement in administering the region. Plans include options for stabilizing and governing Gaza, as well as economic assistance.

Hamas' Stance on Ceasefire

Israel has long stated that its core goal of the war is to deprive Hamas of its military and governing power in Gaza. Earlier this month, Hamas rejected an Arab proposal that would require it to hand over control of Gaza to an international force in exchange for an end to the war. Instead, Hamas has expressed willingness to accept a 60-day ceasefire proposal, which is nearly aligned with the “Witkoff plan.” Israel had previously accepted it, but backed out after July talks collapsed. Under that proposal, 10 hostages would be released in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners. The parties would begin discussions on the first day of the agreement to reach a lasting truce.

Current Status and Future Steps

Israel has yet to provide a clear response to this proposal to mediators. However, Israeli officials have repeatedly suggested that incremental measures cannot end the conflict. Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon told reporters: “This conflict will not end until all the hostages are released. This conflict will not end until Hamas is defeated.”

Concerns of Escalating Conflict

Despite plans to end the conflict, Netanyahu has also approved plans to expand it. The Israeli military is preparing to call up some 60,000 reservists in September, and if a ceasefire agreement cannot be reached, it will launch an operation to seize Gaza City. Israel claims that Gaza City remains a Hamas stronghold, where some hostages are being held. Hostage families object to an operation in Gaza City, fearing it could lead to their loved ones being killed.

Domestic Pressure on Netanyahu

Netanyahu faces immense domestic pressure to end the conflict. Israeli polls indicate that about 80% of the public supports ending the conflict in exchange for the remaining hostages. In recent weeks, protests calling for an end to the conflict through a deal have drawn hundreds of thousands of Israelis into the streets.

Understanding the Complexities: A Note on Geopolitical Analysis

It's important to recognize the immense complexity and fluidity of the situation in the region. Any potential plan for post-war Gaza faces significant challenges, including the need for buy-in from multiple stakeholders with competing interests. This includes not only Israel and Hamas but also various Palestinian factions, Arab nations, and international organizations. The long-term stability and security of the region will depend on addressing the underlying political, economic, and social issues that have fueled the conflict for decades.