Trump vows to broker Gaza ceasefire in talks with Arab, Muslim leaders

US President Donald Trump declared that the United States could potentially bring the Gaza war to an immediate halt, as he addressed a high-level meeting of Arab and Muslim leaders on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.

Speaking at a closed-door gathering that included presidents and foreign ministers from key regional powers — including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Türkiye, Egypt, Jordan, Pakistan, and Indonesia — Trump expressed both urgency and optimism about the possibility of ending the conflict, Arab News reports.

“We want to end the war in Gaza. We’re going to end it. Maybe we can end it right now,” Trump told the assembled leaders and members of the press. His remarks signal a renewed push for US involvement in resolving the ongoing humanitarian and political crisis that has gripped Gaza and the broader Middle East.

Trump indicated that he would soon be engaging directly with Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to broker a solution. “We’re going to get something done because it’s gone on too long, and we want it to end,” he said.

Highlighting the broader implications of the conflict, Trump emphasized the need for a return to stability in the region. “We’re here to see if we can get the hostages back and get the war over and get back to life in the Middle East, which is a beautiful life, but it’s much more beautiful without wars, right?”

The gathering brought together some of the most influential voices in the Muslim world. Trump acknowledged their significance, stating: “Great leaders from a very important part of our planet” were present, describing them as individuals who are “respected all over the world.” He added: “They’re respected by me in the Oval Office, I can tell you that. They’re respected by the US.”

One of the focal points of the discussion was the fate of hostages held by Hamas and affiliated militant groups. Trump underscored the urgency of their release, saying: “Right now, they have 20 hostages and 38 dead bodies … We have to get the 38 back and we have to get the 20 back, and I think we’ll be able to do it.” He expressed strong confidence in the leaders gathered, remarking: “This is the group that can do it more than any other group in the world. This is the group that can do it.”

The emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, offered his support for the initiative and acknowledged the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. “The only reason you’re here is to stop the war and bring the hostages back. And we count on you and your leadership as well to end this war and to help the people of Gaza. The situation is very, very, very bad there,” he said.

Reinforcing his country’s commitment to peace efforts, the emir added: “We’re here to meet and to do everything we can to stop this war, and to bring the hostages back.”

By Vafa Guliyeva