President Trump will personally chair a high-stakes White House meeting Wednesday to unveil what his administration calls a “comprehensive plan” for post-war Gaza.
Special envoy Steve Witkoff announced the presidential meeting during an appearance on Fox News’ “Special Report with Bret Baier” Tuesday evening, as Washington intensifies efforts to broker a deal that ends the conflict and secures the release of remaining hostages by year’s end.
“Yes, we’ve got a large meeting in the White House tomorrow, chaired by the president, and it’s a very comprehensive plan we’re putting together,” Witkoff told Fox News. “Many people are going to see how robust it is and how well-meaning it is, and it reflects President Trump’s humanitarian motives.”
His comments came as Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar arrived in Washington, where he’ll be meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and holding discussions with major Jewish organizations including AIPAC and the Conference of Presidents.
Hamas accepted a ceasefire proposal from Qatari and Egyptian mediators last week, though Israel has yet to formally respond, drawing backlash from mediators. Channel 12 reported Tuesday that “very senior figures in Egypt” conveyed their “disappointment, frustration and anger” to Israeli counterparts over the delayed response.
Qatar echoed similar concerns, with a spokesman confirming that Doha had not received Israel’s response to the latest proposal, which he claimed “met almost all of Israel’s demands.”
“We are in contact with all parties in pursuit of a ceasefire agreement, but there is no official Israeli response – neither acceptance, rejection, nor the presentation of an alternative proposal,” Saudi Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari said in comments carried by Al Jazeera.
“What Hamas agreed to is identical to what Israel had already agreed to. The ball is now in Israel’s court, and it seems Israel does not want to reach an agreement or even respond to the proposal.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces pressure from multiple directions. His far-right coalition partners oppose any ceasefire, while opposition leaders and military officials push for accepting current proposals to free remaining hostages.
Trump had promised swift action on Gaza during his 2024 campaign and after taking office in January, but he has yet to secure a deal, with Hamas repeatedly sabotaging efforts. However, he remained optimistic on Monday, telling reporters he expected a “pretty good, conclusive ending” within two to three weeks.
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