Trump to discuss Gaza ceasefire deal with Qatar PM at White House

US President Donald Trump is set to meet with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani on Wednesday to discuss negotiations for a Gaza ceasefire and captive release deal.

The White House had announced earlier that Trump would host the Qatari premier in Washington for a dinner, where he will also meet with Bahrain’s king and crown prince.

The upcoming meeting follows a phone call between Trump and Qatari Emir Tamim Bin Hamad, which took place on Monday.

Trump and Sheikh Mohammed Al-Thani are also expected to discuss efforts to resume talks between the US and Iran for a new nuclear agreement, according to a source cited by the US website.

Since 6 July, negotiators from both sides have engaged in discussions in the Qatari capital Doha for a potential 60-day truce agreement, which will see the phased withdrawal of Israeli troops from the so-called 'Morag Axis' and the area between Rafah and Khan Younis, the phased release of several captives, and the increased flow of humanitarian aid.

Doha has played a notable role in mediating between Hamas and Israel in the ceasefire and captive release talks, and is also a key US ally.

Qatar has held separate talks with both Hamas and Israeli representatives in an attempt to reconcile their demands. It has also provided Gaza with substantial humanitarian aid and has pledged to help rebuild the enclave should a ceasefire come into effect.

Over the weeks, Trump has repeatedly expressed optimism that a breakthrough in the ceasefire talks would occur soon. On Sunday, he told reporters that an agreement can be expected "within a week". However, a breakthrough has yet to be achieved despite the Republicans’ multiple promises.

Ceasefire negotiations have largely stalled over Israel’s refusal to guarantee a full withdrawal of troops from the war-battered enclave, as well as a guarantee of an end to the war.

Hamas has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court, of being an obstacle amid the talks. The group’s spokesperson, Khalil al-Hayya, said on Saturday that Hamas rejected Israeli proposals to keep soldiers in more than 40 percent of Gaza, as well as plans to move Palestinians into an enclave on the border with Egypt.

At least 20 Palestinians killed in GHF distribution point

On Wednesday, Israel’s horrific attacks on the Gaza Strip continued. At least 20 Palestinians were killed at an aid collection point affiliated with the US and Israeli backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) in Khan Younis.

The controversial group said the Palestinians, including children, were killed due to overcrowding, where Gazans were trampled on after US soldiers closed the main gate to the centre. GHF also claimed that "Hamas-affiliated agitators" were present in the crowd, which led to the incident. The Al-Nasser Hospital, however, said Israeli forces and security personnel from GHF opened fire at the crowds, killing and injuring scores.

In recent weeks hundreds of desperate Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire at GHF sites.

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