U.S. President Donald Trump will meet on Tuesday with leaders and officials from several Muslim-majority countries to discuss the ongoing crisis in Gaza, which has intensified amid Israel’s escalating military operations.
White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt confirmed the meeting, stating that it will include representatives from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Indonesia, and Pakistan. According to sources familiar with the discussions, the focus will be on Gaza’s security situation and the humanitarian impact of the conflict.
Key Objectives of the Meeting
Reports indicate that Trump plans to present a post-conflict governance and peace proposal for Gaza. The plan would outline a U.S.-led framework for Israeli withdrawal and governance in the region after the war, explicitly excluding Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist organization by both Washington and the European Union.
Additional goals include:
- Securing Arab and Muslim support for military or peacekeeping forces in Gaza to facilitate an orderly Israeli withdrawal.
- Establishing financial support mechanisms for transitional governance and reconstruction programs.
- Addressing the humanitarian crisis, including the release of hostages and restoring basic services for civilians displaced by ongoing operations.
The meeting occurs just one day after dozens of global leaders convened in New York to support the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, signaling a shift in international diplomatic engagement nearly two years after the conflict escalated.
Humanitarian and Security Context
Since October 2023, Israel’s offensive in Gaza has resulted in:
- Tens of thousands of deaths
- Mass displacement of Gaza’s population
- Widespread food insecurity
Several human rights experts, academics, and a UN investigation have described the situation as amounting to potential genocide, citing the systematic targeting of civilians. Israel maintains that its operations are acts of self-defense, following a Hamas attack in October 2023 that killed 1,200 Israelis and involved the kidnapping of over 250 civilians.
The military escalation has expanded beyond Gaza, with Israeli operations impacting Iran, Lebanon, Yemen, Syria, and Qatar, reflecting the broader regional tensions.
U.S. Diplomatic Initiatives
Trump had previously promised a swift resolution to the conflict in Gaza, but eight months into his term, a sustainable solution remains elusive. Early in his administration, he brokered a two-month ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which ended after Israeli airstrikes killed 400 Palestinians in March 2025.
Earlier proposals by Trump, including U.S. control over Gaza and the permanent relocation of Palestinians, drew sharp criticism from human rights experts and the UN, with allegations that such plans amounted to ethnic cleansing and violated international law. Trump framed these proposals as part of a broader reconstruction and redevelopment initiative.
International Diplomatic Implications
Trump’s upcoming meeting with Muslim-majority countries aims to gather support for a U.S.-led transitional governance plan while navigating deep international divisions over Israel and Palestine. Observers note that this meeting could shape future peace efforts, influence regional alliances, and affect U.S. credibility in Middle Eastern diplomacy.
As the humanitarian situation deteriorates, the international community remains focused on balancing military, political, and humanitarian imperatives, while striving to prevent further civilian suffering in Gaza.
