Qatar and the US- Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, met with United States President Donald Trump in New York City amidst heightened tensions in the Middle East.
The meeting comes after Israel’s deadly strike on Doha, which killed a Qatari security official and five Hamas members who were discussing a new ceasefire proposal initiated by Trump.
The strike has sparked widespread condemnation, with the United Nations Security Council, including the US, joining fellow members in denouncing Israel’s actions.
Trump has expressed his discontent with Israel’s targeting of Qatar, suggesting it was an attempt to disrupt ongoing ceasefire discussions.
“The concern is that the relationship between Qatar and the United States has become increasingly complicated as a result of those strikes, so they’re looking for a path forward on both of those issues.”
Sheikh Mohammed’s meeting with Trump is part of a flurry of diplomatic activity aimed at resolving the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Prior to meeting Trump, Sheikh Mohammed conferred with US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the White House, discussing Israel’s strikes and the US-Qatar security arrangement.
Rubio will visit Israel this weekend to reaffirm US commitment to its ally, despite international pressure to restrain Israel’s actions.
The UN General Assembly recently endorsed a resolution pushing for a revival of the two-state solution, with France and Saudi Arabia leading the push for “collective action to end the war in Gaza, to achieve a just, peaceful and lasting settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict”.
This development signals growing international momentum towards a viable post-conflict settlement for Israel and Palestine.
Qatar and the US enjoy cordial relations as the US regard Qatar as a vital ally in the Gulf region, largely due to the presence of the Al Udeid airbase, a critical hub for US military operations in the Middle East.
However, the recent strike has strained the US-Qatar relationship, requiring careful diplomatic maneuvering to maintain strong relationships with both Israel and Qatar.
Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the importance of maintaining Qatar’s position as a neutral mediator in the Israel-Palestine conflict.
He urged Trump to leverage his existing relationships within the Israeli government to secure a cessation of hostilities and a commitment to refrain from further attacks on Qatari soil.
The Gaza humanitarian crisis remains a central concern, with over 64,756 people killed in the conflict. The outcome of the discussions between Trump and Sheikh Mohammed could significantly impact the trajectory of the conflict in Gaza and the future of diplomatic efforts.
Rubio’s upcoming visit to Israel will focus on reaffirming US commitment to fighting anti-Israel actions and ensuring Hamas never rules over Gaza again.
“He will also emphasize our shared goals: ensuring Hamas never rules over Gaza again and bringing all the hostages home,” State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said in a statement.
Critics argue that this position of the United States on the total elimination of Hamas from Palestine has brought unimaginable sufferings, deaths and persecution to Palestinians especially those in the Gaza city.
Palestinian lands have become a shadow of itself as the land has become desolate under incessant Israeli bombardments who apparently latched on the US position of Hamas.
The US was also reported to have supported Israeli government with hardwares and military components for the crusade which it deemed necessary for the total elimination of Hamas.
Children, women and nursing mothers were not spared nor were they considered when the “gates of hell” were being unleashed on Palestinians.
Critics wonder whether Palestinians have become Hamas or the Israeli and US governments have information that the world isn’t privy to, in view of the degree of assaults that have been unleashed on Palestinians home and abroad.
As tension between Qatar and the US simmer in view of the visit, the United States is expected to bring lasting peace to Palestine and the Middle East.