Trump meets Muslim leaders at UN, Gaza war dominates talks

NEW YORK:  US President Donald Trump on Tuesday held a meeting with leaders of Arab and Muslim-majority countries on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, with the Gaza conflict topping the agenda.

The 50 minute meeting was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, along with the leaders of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey and Indonesia. The summit was co-hosted by President Trump and the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

According to Emirati state news agency WAM, the discussions focused on efforts to end the ongoing war in Gaza and to secure a permanent ceasefire.

The release of hostages and steps to ease the worsening humanitarian crisis in the besieged enclave were also identified as key priorities.

During the talks, Trump told Muslim leaders, “We want to end the war in Gaza and we will end it. It is possible that it may be ended now.”

He described the gathering as one of the most important meetings of his presidency, adding that “we are going to end something that we did not start.”

After the meeting, Trump and the leaders left the hall without commenting, only waving to the media.

His special envoy, Steve Witkoff, gave a thumbs-up when asked about the outcome. However, in a later media interaction, the US president termed the meeting “highly successful,” saying it was a “very good and productive discussion on Gaza with great leaders.” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also called the dialogue “very useful.”

Trump boasts about ending seven wars, questions UN role

Earlier, in his UNGA speech, Trump criticized countries moving to recognize a Palestinian state, saying such recognition amounted to “rewarding Hamas for its atrocities.” He reiterated Washington’s demand for a ceasefire in Gaza, the return of hostages, and the handover of the bodies of 38 hostages reportedly held by Hamas.

US media later reported that Washington was pressing Arab and Muslim countries to send peacekeeping forces to Gaza to facilitate an Israeli withdrawal.

The reports added that the US wanted regional states to contribute financially towards governance transition and reconstruction in Palestine.

PM MEETS MUSLIM LEADERS

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif separately met Sheikh Tamim, King Abdullah II of Jordan, and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto before the summit.

The Prime Minister’s Office said the meetings were marked by “warm handshakes, informal and candid conversations, and meaningful exchanges.”

Read more: Qatar says Israel is rogue state, Jordan blasts Greater Israel