Trump to lead Gaza meeting as officials set new deadline to end war
The 79-year-old Republican is set to chair the 'large meeting' later today (27 August)
United States President Donald Trump is set to chair a 'large meeting' regarding Gaza later today (27 August), as officials set a new deadline to end what the UN experts have referred to as a genocide.
When asked if there was a day after plan for Gaza, US envoy Steve Witkoff explained to Fox News yesterday (26 August): "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."
And, when asked why he was optimistic about reaching a hostage and ceasefire deal, the envoy stated that the Trump administration expects the conflict to end by 2026.
"We think we're going to settle this one way or another, certainly before the end of this year," he said.
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"Hamas is signalling that they're open to a settlement. The Israelis, when they announced this operation, also announced at the same time that they were funding $600 million of aid to go into Gaza, and in addition to that, they also announced that they were open to continuing discussions with Hamas."
Trump promised he would bring about an end to the horrific events, which include Israel’s air and ground assault, now killing at least 62,686 Palestinians so far, along with 2.2 million people being displaced from the territory as it continues to be reduced to rubble.
Israel's relentless bombardment has also caused widespread famine and starvation, according to international aid groups.
Trump's promise was made during the 2024 US election campaign and, since taking office in January, it's clear that it has not yet happened.
While his term began with a ceasefire, this lasted just two months and came to an end when Israeli strikes killed around 400 Palestinians on 18 March.
He's now suggested that Israel's war on Gaza could have a 'conclusive ending' in the next few weeks.
His comments come after one of Israel's latest attacks, which saw the bombing of a main hospital in southern Gaza on Monday (25 August).
Israel then struck the same spot again 15 minutes later as rescuers and journalists rushed to help the wounded. The bomb killed at least 20 people, including five journalists, health officials said.
What is being referred to as a 'double tap' strike and the killing of journalists has sparked a wave of international condemnation against the nation, with many hitting out at the attack on the Gaza hospital.
When asked about the strike, Trump initially said he wasn’t aware of it before stating: "I'm not happy about it. I don't want to see it."
He has also said there was a 'very serious diplomatic push' to end the war, but did not provide any details.
"I think within the next two to three weeks, you’re going to have a pretty good, conclusive ending," Trump told reporters at the Oval Office on Monday.
"It’s a hard thing to say because they’ve been fighting for thousands of years. But I think we’re doing a very good job. But it does have to end, but people can’t forget October 7."
"At some point it’s going to get settled, and I’m saying you better get it settled soon," Trump continued. "You have to get it settled soon."
"It’s got to get over with because, between the hunger and all of the other problems - worse than hunger, death, pure death - people being killed."
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Topics: Donald Trump, Politics, US News, Gaza, Israel, Palestine
Rhiannon Ingle