Donald Trump had entered the 2024 presidential race with a strong promise to bring a quick resolution to the war in Gaza, presenting himself as the leader who could deliver peace in a conflict that had plagued U.S. foreign policy for decades. After assuming office in January, Trump immediately emphasized this goal, but nearly seven months into his presidency, the war remains unresolved. His administration has faced increasing pressure from both international allies and domestic critics, who question whether his bold campaign pledges are being translated into real results. The war has not only continued but has also intensified, with mounting humanitarian concerns drawing condemnation from across the globe.
On Tuesday, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff announced that Trump would personally chair a high-level meeting at the White House to discuss Gaza. Scheduled for Wednesday, the meeting is being framed as a pivotal moment in the administration’s efforts to develop a comprehensive strategy to end the war. Witkoff described the plan as detailed and far-reaching, though he withheld specifics and declined to disclose the full list of participants. His remarks suggested that the administration envisions a roadmap that would not only halt the fighting but also address the broader political and humanitarian aftermath of the war. He insisted that Washington expected the conflict to be brought to an end before the close of the year, signaling urgency from the highest levels of government.
At the same time, the State Department confirmed that Secretary of State Marco Rubio would meet Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar in Washington on Wednesday afternoon. This meeting, taking place in parallel with Trump’s White House gathering, underscores the intense diplomatic push being made by the U.S. to engage with Israeli leadership directly. While little has been shared publicly about the agenda, observers believe discussions will revolve around both short-term ceasefire mechanisms and the longer-term political settlement that has so far eluded negotiators. The dual-track nature of these events highlights the administration’s attempt to bring all sides to the table while maintaining pressure on Israel to show flexibility.
The urgency behind these talks is magnified by the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. Since the beginning of Israel’s military offensive in October 2023, more than 62,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza health authorities. Entire neighborhoods have been leveled, leaving the population fully displaced within the besieged territory. Hunger and disease are rampant, with images of emaciated children drawing global outrage and intensifying calls for accountability. International courts are now examining accusations of genocide and war crimes, charges that Israel vehemently denies. Nevertheless, the deteriorating conditions have eroded international support for Israel’s campaign and increased demands for immediate relief measures.
The war was triggered by Hamas’s large-scale attack on Israel in October 2023, which killed 1,200 people and resulted in around 250 hostages being taken, according to Israeli figures. Israel’s response has been ferocious and unrelenting, aimed at dismantling Hamas militarily while recovering hostages. Yet despite months of bombardment and heavy casualties, Hamas remains a factor in the conflict. Witkoff acknowledged that Israel has been willing to keep communication channels open with Hamas, while the group itself has signaled some willingness to reach a settlement. This delicate exchange offers a narrow window for negotiations, but both sides remain deeply entrenched in their positions.
For Trump, the stakes are immense. His credibility as a leader who can end protracted conflicts hangs in the balance, especially after the collapse of a two-month ceasefire earlier in his presidency. That ceasefire ended in March when Israeli airstrikes killed nearly 400 Palestinians, reigniting hostilities and fueling skepticism about whether a sustainable peace is possible. Now, with the humanitarian disaster worsening and criticism of U.S. policy growing louder, Trump is under pressure to deliver a breakthrough that aligns with his campaign promises. His administration’s ability to forge a durable peace agreement will not only determine the trajectory of the Gaza conflict but also shape his broader foreign policy legacy.
The meeting at the White House may therefore prove to be a defining moment. If the “comprehensive plan” Witkoff described materializes into a viable framework that both Israel and Hamas can accept, it could mark the beginning of a new chapter in U.S. diplomacy. But if the plan falters, Trump risks deepening global frustration and exposing his administration’s limitations in managing one of the world’s most intractable conflicts. As the end-of-year deadline looms, the question remains whether the Trump administration can translate its rhetoric into action and finally bring an end to the bloodshed in Gaza.
