Trump to Lead Major Meeting on Gaza Amid Intensifying Conflict

Donald Trump is set to chair a significant meeting at the White House today focusing on the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This announcement comes from Steve Witkoff, the US special envoy, who stated that the Biden administration anticipates a resolution to Israel’s military operations in the Palestinian territory by the end of the year.

The US State Department has also revealed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar in Washington on March 20, 2024. When questioned on a Fox News program about plans for Gaza following the conflict, Witkoff affirmed, “Yes, we’ve got a large meeting in the White House tomorrow, chaired by the president, and it’s a very comprehensive plan we’re putting together on the next day.” While he did not provide details on the participants, he emphasized the meeting’s importance.

Witkoff expressed optimism about Israel’s willingness to engage in further discussions with the Palestinian militant group Hamas, stating that Hamas has indicated a readiness to seek a settlement. This comes as the humanitarian situation in Gaza has drawn international concern, particularly following recent airstrikes that have resulted in significant civilian casualties.

Earlier this year, Trump proposed a controversial plan suggesting that the United States should take control of the Gaza Strip, potentially displacing its two million residents. This proposal has been met with widespread criticism and skepticism regarding its feasibility. Despite promising a swift resolution to the conflict during his 2024 presidential campaign, the situation remains unresolved nearly seven months into his term.

On March 18, 2024, a ceasefire that had lasted two months ended when Israeli airstrikes killed approximately 400 Palestinians, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Reports have surfaced indicating that thousands of Palestinians, including many children, are suffering from severe food shortages, raising alarms among human rights advocates.

In response to recent claims regarding Israeli military actions, Hamas has denied accusations that its members were involved in the deaths of journalists during an airstrike on a hospital in Gaza. The Israeli military has stated that the airstrikes targeted a camera operated by Hamas, which it claimed was used for military purposes. The attack resulted in the deaths of five journalists from various news organizations, including Al Jazeera, the Associated Press, and Reuters, further fueling international outrage and calls for accountability.

The United Nations has demanded thorough investigations into these incidents, particularly concerning the “double tap” bombing strategy employed by Israeli forces, which has raised serious ethical concerns.

“There needs to be justice,”

stated Thameen Al-Kheetan, spokesperson for the UN’s human rights office. He highlighted the alarming number of journalists killed in Gaza, underscoring the need for protection of media workers in conflict zones.

On the ground in Israel, tens of thousands of demonstrators participated in a “day of disruption,” blocking highways to demand that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu reach an agreement to end the conflict and halt plans for further military action in Gaza City. The largest protests occurred in Tel Aviv, led by families of hostages, while gatherings also took place outside the prime minister’s office in Jerusalem during a security cabinet meeting focused on the ongoing war.

In a separate development, Israeli forces conducted raids in the occupied West Bank city of Ramallah, targeting a currency exchange, which resulted in numerous injuries among Palestinians, according to the Red Crescent. While Israeli operations in the West Bank are common, incursions into central Ramallah, the seat of the Palestinian Authority, are relatively infrequent.

As the situation in Gaza continues to evolve, the upcoming meeting at the White House represents a critical moment for US involvement in the region, with potential implications for both Israeli and Palestinian futures.