Trump to meet Israeli officials over postwar Gaza plans
Share and Follow


President Trump will meet with Israeli officials Wednesday at the White House to discuss postwar plans for the Gaza Strip, as negotiations with Hamas on securing a ceasefire have stalled and Israel pushes forward with an expanded military operation.

Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy for peace missions, said on Fox News Tuesday night that Trump will chair a “large meeting” to discuss a “comprehensive” plan for a day-after scenario in Gaza.

“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 that I think many people are going to be, they’re going to see how robust it is and how well-meaning it is,” Witkoff said.

“And it reflects President Trump’s humanitarian motives here.”

A White House official confirmed the meeting on Wednesday. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar is also scheduled to meet with Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the State Department Wednesday afternoon. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for a civilian authority to run Gaza but opposes any affiliation with Hamas or the Palestinian Authority, which governs the West Bank. Netanyahu has said Israel must maintain security control. 

Trump has floated the U.S. taking ownership of Gaza and transforming it into a beach resort. But those glitzy plans have been criticized for potentially displacing Palestinians permanently. 

The president has said he does not support forcibly removing Palestinians from Gaza, but Witkoff has said that rebuilding the Strip would take decades and said temporary relocation for Palestinians in third countries would make sense. Israeli officials are reportedly in quiet talks with countries in Africa and the Middle East to take in Palestinians from Gaza.  

Advocates and international law experts have warned such plans may constitute a war crime. 

The meeting comes as Qatar and Egypt are criticizing Israel for not responding to a ceasefire proposal that Hamas accepted, which hews closely to a previous U.S. proposal.

Netanyahu said Israel is looking for a deal in which Hamas would hand over about 20 living and 30 deceased hostages it kidnapped from Israel during its Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack, and for Hamas to demilitarize and abdicate power in Gaza.

Witkoff said Tuesday night Trump backs Netanyahu’s conditions that hostages must be released in one transfer, as opposed to being spread out over a period of weeks.

“That’s President Trump’s official position,” Witkoff said on Fox News.

“I think that he has said to himself, you don’t need to keep those hostages. We’ll have a negotiation if they want as to what next day looks like in Gaza after this is all done, and what the definition of Hamas is. We can talk about those things.”

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Preston Stone throws 3 TDs, Northwestern has 4 takeaways in 34-7 victory over Central Michigan at GameAbove Sports Bowl in Detroit

Preston Stone Shines with 3 TDs as Northwestern Dominates with 4 Takeaways in GameAbove Sports Bowl Triumph

DETROIT — Preston Stone led Northwestern to victory with three touchdown passes,…
Former Florida law enforcement officer accused of forcing 6-year-old underwater in hotel pool: report

Ex-Florida Police Officer Allegedly Submerges 6-Year-Old in Hotel Pool, Report Reveals

A former law enforcement officer, known for her talks to students about…
Downfall of newlywed who murdered wife as tragic note reveals secret

Tragic Unveiling: Newlywed’s Descent After Wife’s Murder and Discovery of Hidden Note

On the surface, the Kenney family seemed like the epitome of a…
Bensenville man Ismael Andrade Pino accused of trying to kidnap Jewel employee with special needs from York Road store: officials

Bensenville Resident Faces Charges for Alleged Kidnapping Attempt of Special Needs Employee at York Road Jewel Store

A 53-year-old resident of Bensenville faces serious allegations after being accused of…
Former University of Illinois Chicago hospital contractor Glenn Rhymes pleads guilty after showing patient gun in facility lobby

Ex-UIC Hospital Contractor Admits Guilt in Shocking Gun Incident: What Happened in the Lobby?

In a startling incident that unfolded at the University of Illinois Chicago…
Ritzy island giving away FREE homes worth millions but there's a catch

Dream Island Offers Free Luxury Homes: Discover the Surprising Catch!

An island in Massachusetts is offering multi-million dollar homes at no cost,…
gif student swipes TPUSA table steals signs

Unyielding TPUSA Leader Stands Firm Amid Harassment & Hostility After Kirk’s Tragic Death

In the heart of Phoenix, a fierce determination is shining through the…
Florida man allegedly steals 400 pounds of avocados to buy Christmas presents for children

Florida Man Accused of Swiping 400 Pounds of Avocados to Fund Holiday Gifts for Kids

Food thief eats couple’s pizza at Florida resort A clever iguana seized…