Qatari PM to Visit Trump as Gaza Ceasefire Talks Continue

In a high-stakes diplomatic encounter, U.S. President Donald Trump is set to host Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani for dinner at the White House as part of ongoing efforts to secure a partial ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The meeting is expected to center around indirect negotiations being facilitated in Doha, with the goal of releasing Israeli hostages held by the terrorist group.

Qatar has emerged as a central player in the ceasefire talks, due to its long-standing ties to Hamas. The Gulf state is playing host to back-channel negotiations, with both U.S. and Israeli officials closely monitoring progress. The expected release of 10 living hostages and 18 bodies, along with a proposed 60-day ceasefire and partial IDF withdrawal, forms the framework of the proposed deal.

President Trump has expressed cautious optimism, stating on Sunday, “Gaza, we are talking, and hopefully we’re going to get that straightened out over the next week.” His special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, confirmed that talks with senior Qatari officials would continue this week, including meetings during the FIFA Club World Cup final in New Jersey.

The meeting with the Qatari prime minister comes just two days after Trump held a phone call with Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, further solidifying Qatar’s role as a key interlocutor. Trump is also scheduled to meet Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Crown Prince Salman in Washington, reinforcing the U.S. commitment to engaging regional partners in resolving the conflict.

While Qatar’s links to Hamas remain controversial, its influence is proving pivotal in moving negotiations forward. Alongside Egypt, Qatar is facilitating the indirect discussions, which could mark a turning point in efforts to end the hostilities that erupted following Hamas’s brutal October 7 attack on Israel.

Israel maintains that approximately 50 hostages remain in Gaza, with only 20 confirmed to be alive. The potential deal under discussion would be the most significant diplomatic breakthrough since the beginning of the war.

As diplomacy inches forward, Israel’s unwavering demand for the return of its citizens both living and deceased remains non-negotiable. Every step toward a resolution underscores Israel’s commitment to protecting its people and restoring peace through strength and strategic alliances.

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