High-Stakes Talks: Trump and Netanyahu Meet to Chart Gaza’s Future Amid Mounting Pressure

In a pivotal moment for the ongoing Middle East conflict, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived at the White House today for critical discussions with President Trump. The leaders aim to tackle U.S.-backed proposals for Gaza’s postwar landscape, hoping to finally resolve the two-year-long conflict.

This marks their fourth meeting in Washington since Mr. Trump re-entered office in January. While previous encounters briefly sparked optimism for a Gaza ceasefire, the intense fighting has persisted, tragically claiming tens of thousands of Palestinian lives.

Their current discussions are set against a backdrop of intensified international efforts to outline concrete governance plans for Gaza once the hostilities cease. The Trump administration is reportedly considering a concept put forth by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, while France and several Arab nations have also presented their own visions.

The meeting follows a challenging week for Israel, during which its international standing arguably weakened. Britain, France, and other European countries announced their recognition of a Palestinian state, a move met with strong Israeli objections.

Despite his long-standing support for Israel, Mr. Trump has expressed growing impatience with the prolonged conflict. He has firmly stated his refusal to allow Israel to annex parts of the occupied West Bank, an area many Palestinians envision as part of a future independent state. However, the extent of leverage Mr. Trump is prepared to use if Mr. Netanyahu resists the latest peace proposals remains uncertain.

Historically, Mr. Netanyahu has often bypassed compromise, choosing instead to push forward with military operations against Hamas. His hard-line coalition allies reportedly favor indefinite Israeli control over Gaza and the expansion of Jewish settlements there.

In a recent Fox News interview, Mr. Netanyahu indicated cautious optimism about Mr. Trump’s proposal, stating, “We’re working on it; it’s not been finalized yet. I hope we can make it a go.” He even suggested that Hamas members could be granted amnesty if they agreed to end the war and release the remaining hostages seized during the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and hundreds of captives.

The ensuing Israeli counterattack in Gaza has led to over 65,000 fatalities, including thousands of children, according to Gaza health officials. This figure does not differentiate between civilians and combatants.

Latest Developments and Key Considerations:

• Hostage Families’ Plea: Families of Israeli hostages are desperately hoping the Trump-Netanyahu meeting will secure the immediate release of their loved ones still held in Gaza. Approximately 20 hostages are believed to be alive from the initial 2023 attack. Many are urging President Trump to compel Netanyahu to accept an agreement, fearing that continued military action in Gaza City endangers their relatives. Ilana Gritzewsky, a freed hostage, powerfully stated, “President Trump, you have the power to end the war and bring all the hostages home.”
• Right-Wing Pressure on Netanyahu: Mr. Netanyahu faces significant pressure from his far-right coalition partners to maintain a hard line on Gaza’s future. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich reportedly outlined “red lines,” including a permanent Israeli military presence in Gaza and no role for the Palestinian Authority in its governance. These demands could severely complicate any peace accord acceptable to Israel, the U.S., and Arab allies. Critics argue Netanyahu frequently prioritizes his right-wing base over practical ceasefire deals for hostage release, an accusation he denies.
• Cautious Optimism: Vice President JD Vance expressed cautious optimism about a “complicated negotiation” involving Arab leaders, Israel, and the Trump administration regarding postwar Gaza, though he warned that a deal could “get derailed at the very last minute.”
• Cease-fire Stalemate: Hamas announced it has yet to formally receive the latest ceasefire proposal. Negotiations have been stalled since Israel’s September 9 bombing of Qatar, an attempt to assassinate Hamas leadership that drew international condemnation.
• Intensified Fighting: Despite the diplomatic talks, Israeli forces continue their sweep through Gaza City, displacing hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who have already endured multiple displacements, facing a dire humanitarian crisis.
• Deepened International Isolation: The ongoing conflict has severely damaged Israel’s global standing. Mr. Netanyahu is wanted by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes, European allies have recognized a Palestinian state, and Israelis abroad increasingly face protests and harassment.
• Hostage Situation Persists: The heavy toll on Gaza has not compelled Hamas to surrender or release the remaining captives. Israel estimates at least 20 living hostages and the bodies of roughly 25 others are still being held.

The Palestinian Authority’s Potential Role in Gaza’s Future

A central question in the emerging peace proposals for Gaza concerns the role of the Palestinian Authority (PA). The PA currently administers parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank and sees itself as the legitimate government for a future Palestinian state.

What is the Palestinian Authority?

Established in 1994 through the Oslo Accords between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization, the PA was envisioned as a temporary body paving the way for an independent Palestinian state. It governs Palestinian population centers in the West Bank and collaborates with Israel on security, though relations are often strained.

PA President Mahmoud Abbas, in a recent virtual address to the U.N. General Assembly, accused Israel of “war crimes” in Gaza. The Trump administration had denied him and his delegation visas for the New York assembly on national security grounds.

Who is Mahmoud Abbas?

At 89, Mahmoud Abbas has led the Palestinian Authority since 2005. Despite being elected for a four-year term, no national elections have been held since 2006. Critics view his administration as corrupt and authoritarian, with recent polls indicating a strong desire among Palestinians for his resignation.

Israeli officials frequently criticize the PA for alleged mismanagement and fostering anti-Israel sentiment. Mr. Netanyahu himself declared the PA “corrupt to the core” at the U.N. last week. Supporters, however, argue that the PA’s corruption is no worse than other Arab governments and that the Israeli occupation severely hinders its effectiveness.

What does recognition of a Palestinian state mean?

This month, several countries, including traditional Israeli allies like France, Britain, and Canada, recognized Palestinian statehood. This adds to nearly 150 nations that have or are expected to grant such recognition. While largely symbolic, this move underscores international support for Palestinian self-determination and further deepens Israel’s isolation. Both Israel and its U.S. allies oppose this recognition, viewing it as a reward for Hamas, the Islamist group that governs Gaza and initiated the 2023 attack.

Hamas and the Palestinian Authority are long-standing rivals for leadership among Palestinians. Following international endorsements of Palestinian statehood, some Israeli officials have even threatened to annex parts of the West Bank in response, though Mr. Trump has publicly stated he would not permit this.

What role could the Palestinian Authority play in a postwar Gaza?

Resolving the Gaza conflict remains fraught with obstacles. Israel and Hamas are deeply divided on key issues, and Israel recently escalated its military campaign with a ground offensive in Gaza City.

Mr. Abbas maintains that Gaza is essential to a future Palestinian state and expressed the PA’s readiness to assume responsibility for the enclave, vowing that Hamas would have no governing role after the war.

Among the various proposals for postwar Gaza, one suggests a limited PA role, contingent on significant reforms to address criticisms of corruption and security practices. Another, the “New York declaration” – supported by 142 countries – proposes a transitional committee of technocrats operating under the PA, with elections held within a year of a ceasefire. Hamas, however, stated it has received no new proposals and negotiations remain stalled, rejecting any post-war government that excludes them or demands disarmament.

New Peace Plans for Gaza Under Discussion

As President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu meet, several new proposals for ending the Gaza conflict and establishing postwar governance are actively being discussed. The recent U.N. General Assembly prominently featured debates on the conflict and Gaza’s future, with President Trump expressing optimism about a breakthrough.

However, similar pronouncements have been made before, and significant hurdles remain. Israel and Hamas are still at odds over crucial points, and a recent Israeli ground offensive has intensified fighting in Gaza City. Mr. Netanyahu, speaking at the U.N. last Friday, reaffirmed his determination to proceed with the Gaza City campaign. Hamas, meanwhile, stated on Sunday that it had not received any new proposals, indicating a standstill in negotiations.

The Trump Plan

Steve Witkoff, the U.S. envoy for peace missions, outlined a broad American peace plan during a meeting with Arab and Muslim-majority leaders at the U.N. last week. Key elements, according to sources familiar with the matter, include:

• Hamas agreeing to return all living hostages and the remains of former captives within 48 hours.
• Amnesty for Hamas members who commit to peaceful coexistence with Israel.
• Guaranteed safe passage out of Gaza for Hamas members who wish to leave.
• A commitment from both sides to begin a new dialogue on peaceful coexistence.
• A pledge that Israel will cease attacks on Qatar.

Qatar, a vital U.S. ally, has been a central mediator in these negotiations. Israel’s September 9 airstrikes on Doha, aiming to assassinate Hamas officials, angered U.S. officials.

The success of this plan hinges on Mr. Trump’s ability to pressure Mr. Netanyahu, who remains steadfast in his military objectives and has shown increased defiance following recent European recognition of a Palestinian state.

The Blair Plan

Another proposal suggests that Gaza be governed by a “Gaza International Transitional Authority.” Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair is reportedly being considered for a leadership role in overseeing Gaza post-conflict. This Transitional Authority would be supported by a multinational security force tasked with border security, preventing armed group resurgence, disrupting weapons smuggling, and neutralizing threats.

The Blair plan also seeks to alleviate Palestinian fears of permanent displacement by empowering the Transitional Authority to issue “protected departure certificates,” guaranteeing the right of return for those who leave Gaza. While not directly mentioning Hamas, the proposal outlines a limited role for the Palestinian Authority, a more moderate rival government, in governing Gaza, with calls for significant reforms to its security practices and a long-term goal of unifying all Palestinian territories under the PA.

The French-Saudi Plan

A third initiative, known as the “New York declaration,” spearheaded by France and Saudi Arabia, garnered support from 142 countries at the General Assembly. This plan proposes an Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, followed by the deployment of a U.N.-organized international security force. Hamas would be prohibited from governing Gaza and would be required to hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority. Postwar Gaza would then be governed by a transitional committee of technocrats operating under the PA, with elections held within a year of a ceasefire.