At the recent Gulf-American summit held in Riyadh, President Donald Trump committed to working towards ending the Gaza conflict. His administration proposed a new plan that begins with the release of Israeli captives in the region as a preliminary step to cease the hostilities and lay the groundwork for a comprehensive peace settlement. However, this initiative has been met with resistance from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was urged by Trump to seize the chance to negotiate for the release of the hostages.
Trump emphasized that the proposal presents a rare opportunity to de-escalate the violence. He stated, “We must achieve a ceasefire in Gaza as soon as possible.” Following a closed-door meeting in Doha with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad, Trump remarked, “We will bring peace not just to this region, and I believe we have some good news coming soon.”
During a press conference at the conclusion of the summit, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan confirmed that Washington and Riyadh have reached an agreement on ending the conflict in Gaza and securing the release of all hostages.
“Humanitarian aid must flow into the Gaza Strip unconditionally; it will be challenging to deliver assistance without a ceasefire,” he added. Israeli sources reported that U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff presented a comprehensive plan involving the return of all Israeli captives and the potential relinquishment of Hamas’s governance over Gaza, which he discussed in Doha alongside Trump. Netanyahu, however, continues to advocate for a partial deal that does not encompass an end to the war.
According to the Israeli news site “Walla,” two Israeli officials noted that Netanyahu is showing “zero flexibility.” In relation to U.S.-Qatar bilateral relations, the White House announced, during the second day of Trump’s Gulf tour and in a briefing with the Emir of Qatar, that the two leaders agreed on a memorandum of understanding regarding defense cooperation.
The White House also stated that the agreements signed between Trump and the Emir of Qatar would facilitate “economic exchanges worth at least $1.2 trillion.” Additionally, President Trump announced economic deals totaling over $243.5 billion between the United States and Qatar, which include the purchase of 210 Boeing aircraft of the 787 Dreamliner and 777X models powered by General Electric engines.
The agreements also contain intentions that could lead to investments of $38 billion in the Al Udeid Air Base and other air defense and maritime security capabilities.
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The Gulf-American Summit Calls for an End to the Gaza War and Supports Regional Stability