Trump Leverages Doha Attack to Pressure Israel for Peace Agreement
In a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, President Trump intensified pressure on Israel following the recent attack in Doha, seeking to instigate a peace agreement in the ongoing conflict with Hamas, reports 24brussels.
In discussions with Qatar and other Arab nations, U.S. officials conveyed that the Doha incident presented a critical opportunity to challenge Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “The president became much more pointed and direct, and there was a heightened urgency for a peace agreement after the Doha strike,” remarked a senior White House official. “It allowed the president to put maximum pressure on Israel, which he did. And it really did force Israel into a position to submit to peace.”
Over the past five weeks, Trump’s approach has evolved dramatically, moving from initially endorsing aggressive military actions in Gaza to advocating for a ceasefire and the release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Israeli hostages. This shift underscores a broader reevaluation of U.S. strategy in the region.
The 20-point peace plan proposed by Trump’s administration aims to meet several of Israel’s security demands while offering amnesty to Hamas militants, a contentious aspect of the negotiations. Additionally, the plan includes provisions for the return of hostages and a framework for Gaza’s governance, which excludes Hamas.
In late September, Trump met with Arab and Muslim leaders during the U.N. General Assembly and assured that he would prevent Israeli annexation of the West Bank. This meeting was characterized as a critical moment for substantive discussions on the peace plan.
While Trump has expressed optimism about achieving “eternal peace,” White House officials acknowledge the precarious nature of such aspirations. The administration remains cautious, as the emotional release of Israeli hostages could spark renewed tensions.
Trump is scheduled to address the Knesset in Israel following a brief visit to Egypt, amidst a backdrop of mixed reactions from Israeli critics and supporters of his diplomatic efforts. However, both the administration and Trump’s allies emphasize that uncertainties remain in the pathway toward a lasting resolution.
