Trump Meets Muslim Leaders at UNGA, Discusses Gaza Crisis

News Desk

Islamabad: US President Donald Trump held a high-level meeting with leaders of Muslim-majority nations, including Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to discuss the ongoing crisis in Gaza and the broader Middle East.

The 50-minute multilateral meeting included leaders from Turkiye, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Egypt, the UAE, and Jordan. Trump described the gathering as an “honour” and praised the leaders for their efforts, stating, “You all have done an excellent job, which is commendable.”

The Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, called the talks “extremely productive” and said a joint declaration would be issued, though he did not provide details. According to the Emirati state news agency WAM, the meeting also focused on addressing the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Trump outlined US plans for an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and proposed governance of the territory without Hamas involvement. Washington is reportedly seeking support from Arab and Muslim nations to send troops to Gaza and fund transition and rebuilding programs.

Turkey, a NATO member, has been critical of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, describing them as genocide. It has halted trade with Israel and called for an immediate ceasefire. Meanwhile, Israel faces global condemnation for its operations, which have reportedly killed over 65,000 Palestinians.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Trump said the Gaza war “could possibly be concluded soon” and added, “We are going to end something that we did not start.”

Pakistan-US Relations Highlighted

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised Trump and his team for their role in facilitating a ceasefire between Pakistan and India during recent hostilities. “President Donald Trump is a man of peace. He, along with his team, played a key role in bringing about the ceasefire between Pakistan and India,” the prime minister said.

The ceasefire ended a conflict in which Pakistan launched Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos after downing six Indian Air Force fighter jets, following Indian attacks inside Pakistan. Islamabad has credited Trump for his mediation and has nominated him for the Nobel Peace Prize.

High-level engagements between Pakistan and the US have continued since then, including visits by Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, to the US, and the finalisation of a major trade deal, reflecting improving bilateral relations.

Global Context

The meeting comes amid growing international frustration with Washington over the Gaza conflict. Several US allies, including the UK, France, Canada, and Australia, have recognised Palestinian statehood, signalling support for a two-state solution.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres endorsed efforts to achieve Palestinian statehood, calling it “the clearest path to a two-State solution: Israel and an independent, sovereign, democratic, viable and contiguous State of Palestine.”

Despite global pressure, the US has maintained its support for Israel. Last week, it vetoed a Security Council draft resolution demanding an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, underscoring its diplomatic backing of Israel.