Erdogan's Views on High-Stakes Meeting to End Gaza Conflict:

New York – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed his satisfaction with a “fruitful” meeting hosted by former U.S. President Donald Trump on ending Israel’s war on Gaza. The high-stakes talks, held on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly, brought together key Arab and Muslim leaders—but notably excluded Israel. The meeting, attended by leaders from Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates, focused on ending the brutal conflict that has claimed over 65,000 Palestinian lives since it began nearly two years ago. Trump described the gathering as “successful,” praising the assembled nations as “the group that could do it,” referring to their potential role in post-war Gaza. Although no detailed plan has been released, sources suggest Trump is proposing that Arab and Muslim countries deploy peacekeeping forces to Gaza to facilitate an Israeli withdrawal. The proposal also includes financial support for reconstruction and humanitarian aid. According to reports from Axios, the U.S. plan rules out any future role for Hamas, which both the U.S. and Israel consider a terrorist organization. The plan instead suggests eventual involvement of the Palestinian Authority—a prospect Israel has previously rejected. Israel did not participate in the meeting, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was reportedly briefed on the proposal. Meanwhile, the UAE’s state news agency WAM confirmed that the meeting prioritized achieving a permanent ceasefire, securing the release of captives, and addressing Gaza’s worsening humanitarian crisis. As global outrage mounts over Israel’s continued bombardment of Gaza City, the U.S.—Israel’s top arms supplier—has faced growing diplomatic isolation. A wave of countries, including France, the UK, Canada, Australia, and Portugal, have recently recognized the State of Palestine, increasing pressure on Washington to reconsider its unconditional support for Israel. Despite this, Trump doubled down in his speech at the General Assembly, arguing that recognition of Palestinian statehood “rewards Hamas” and “encourages continued conflict.” His remarks came in stark contrast to those of UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who reiterated that Palestinian statehood is “a right, not a reward.” Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, emphasized the dire conditions in Gaza, urging Trump to leverage his influence. “We count on you and your leadership to end this war and help the people of Gaza,” he said. Sheikh Tamim accused Israel of aiming to “destroy Gaza” by making life unsustainable through the destruction of housing, healthcare, and education. Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto also voiced his country’s readiness to contribute peacekeeping forces to Gaza during a separate UN conference on a two-state solution hosted by France and Saudi Arabia earlier in the week. Diplomatic Editor James Bays of Al Jazeera noted that many UN diplomats believe Trump is receiving a one-sided narrative from within the U.S. administration, adding, “The one man who can change things is Donald Trump.” As the war continues, pressure is mounting for a political breakthrough—one that could finally bring an end to the suffering in Gaza and set the stage for long-term peace in the region

NEWS