Israeli media: Trump may announce recognition of Palestinian state

Saudi Arabia is set to host a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit in mid-May to coincide with the visit of US President Donald Trump.

The event is generating considerable anticipation following Trump's hints that he intends to make a "major announcement" while in Riyadh. Diplomats are actively speculating on what that announcement might entail.

According to Israeli news outlet Maariv, citing Arab media, leaders of all Persian Gulf nations are expected to attend the summit, except Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz, who will be absent due to health reasons.

A high-ranking diplomatic source from the Gulf region, speaking anonymously, revealed a surprising possibility: “President Trump is planning to announce US recognition of a Palestinian state—without Hamas.”

The source noted, “Such a declaration would fundamentally shift the balance of power in the Middle East and could attract additional countries to join the Abraham Accords.” When asked if the announcement could instead involve major economic developments, the source responded, “There will be economic decisions as well. But not only that. We may see participants in the new, advanced version of the Abraham Accords granted exemption from tariffs on goods exported to the United States.”

Meanwhile, the Trump administration is exerting intense pressure on Israel to reach an agreement with Hamas before the president's visit to the region. A senior official from Israel’s security services stated this week that the expanded military operation in Gaza, recently approved by the Israeli cabinet, will not begin until after Trump’s visit to the Middle East.

However, the official warned that if no progress is made in negotiations for the release of hostages by the time the visit concludes, Israel will launch a military operation “with great force and continue it until all objectives are fully achieved.”

By Tamilla Hasanova