U.S. President Donald Trump is set to meet with Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, on Wednesday to discuss ongoing efforts for a Gaza ceasefire, according to Axios reporter Barak Ravid on X.
Since July 6, Israeli and Hamas negotiators have been engaged in a new round of ceasefire talks in Doha. The discussions focus on a U.S.-backed proposal for a 60-day truce, which outlines a phased release of hostages, partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and steps toward ending the conflict.
President Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, expressed optimism on Sunday, saying he was “hopeful” about the progress being made in Qatar, which is playing a key mediating role along with the U.S. and Egypt. However, serious disagreements persist — particularly over the extent of Israel’s proposed withdrawal from Gaza.
Meanwhile, the United Nations reports that 875 Palestinians have been killed near aid distribution sites in Gaza. Gaza’s health ministry claims that Israeli military operations have now killed over 58,000 Palestinians, triggered a hunger crisis, displaced the entire population, and led to allegations of genocide and war crimes at international courts — accusations that Israel strongly denies.
A previous two-month ceasefire collapsed after Israeli strikes on March 18 killed more than 400 Palestinians. Earlier this year, President Trump proposed a U.S. administration of Gaza — an idea condemned globally by Palestinians, the U.N., and human rights groups as tantamount to “ethnic cleansing.”
According to Ravid, Trump and Sheikh Mohammed are also expected to discuss restarting U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations during their meeting.
