Trump Hosts Qatari and Bahraini Leaders in Bid to Secure Gaza Ceasefire, Restart Iran Talks

by Worthy News Jerusalem Bureau Staff

(Worthy News) – President Donald Trump is set to host Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani at the White House on Wednesday, as the United States intensifies efforts to broker a Gaza ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.

The meeting will include an official dinner and focus on negotiations surrounding a U.S.-backed 60-day truce plan that includes a phased hostage release and Israeli troop withdrawals.

According to Axios reporter Barak Ravid, Trump and Sheikh Mohammed will also discuss efforts to restart nuclear negotiations with Iran–marking a notable diplomatic push on multiple Middle East fronts. The prime minister of Qatar, a key mediator in the conflict, has been leading indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas in Doha since July 6.

U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, a central figure in the ceasefire talks, said Sunday he was “hopeful” a breakthrough could come by the end of the week. Speaking from MetLife Stadium during the FIFA Club World Cup final, Witkoff confirmed meetings with senior Qatari officials and praised ongoing mediation efforts by Egypt and Qatar.

“The goal is peace with security, and we are pushing hard,” Trump said earlier this week from Joint Base Andrews. “Gaza–we are talking, and hopefully we’re going to get that straightened out over the next week. Let’s see what happens.”

The proposed agreement under discussion involves a 60-day ceasefire in exchange for the staged release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, many of whom were abducted during the October 7, 2023, terrorist rampage in southern Israel. The deal would also allow for Israeli withdrawals from parts of Gaza and increased humanitarian aid to civilians in the war-torn enclave.

Despite the push, negotiators remain divided. Hamas is demanding a full withdrawal of Israeli forces and unrestricted aid deliveries, while Israel has maintained that any deal must preserve its right to resume military operations. Israeli estimates suggest 50 hostages remain in Hamas captivity–20 believed alive and 30 either dead or presumed dead.

In addition to the Qatari prime minister, President Trump will meet with Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. Discussions will focus on a $17 billion package of bilateral business deals between U.S. and Bahraini companies, including the launch of direct flights between Manama and New York City.

The flurry of diplomacy follows a collapsed ceasefire in March, which saw the release of dozens of Israeli hostages in exchange for more than 1,000 Palestinian security prisoners and expanded aid shipments. That agreement broke down amid mutual accusations of violations, leading to renewed Israeli military operations in Gaza.

Qatar, viewed by Israel and some U.S. lawmakers as a controversial mediator due to its ties to Hamas, remains pivotal in the ongoing talks. On Monday, President Trump also held a phone call with Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in a further attempt to keep momentum in the negotiations.

While the path to a permanent resolution remains uncertain, Wednesday’s high-level meetings signal the White House’s determination to reclaim diplomatic leadership in the Middle East–and possibly secure a rare breakthrough in one of the world’s longest-running conflicts.

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