US President Donald Trump holds mid-air meeting with Qatari leaders as Washington seeks progress on Gaza peace plan’s second phase.
Trump Praises Qatar’s Role in Gaza Ceasefire Efforts
DOHA, Qatar – October 25, 2025:
United States President Donald Trump has expressed gratitude to Qatar for its crucial role in mediating a Gaza ceasefire and supporting ongoing diplomatic efforts to stabilize the war-torn enclave.
Trump made the remarks aboard Air Force One, during an unscheduled meeting with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, as the presidential jet stopped at Al Udeid Air Base near Doha for refueling on Saturday.
“We’ve done a lot together, especially in the last year,” Trump said.
“What we’ve done is incredible — peace to the Middle East — and they were a very big factor in it. So I just want to thank you.”
The meeting underscores Washington’s deepening coordination with Doha as the Biden-brokered Gaza plan enters its second phase, focused on implementing a lasting truce and establishing a multinational stabilization force.
Qatar Reaffirms Commitment to Gaza Peace Plan
Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim later posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the discussions were a “good opportunity to follow up on peace efforts in the Middle East, strengthen the Gaza ceasefire agreement, and explore prospects for strategic cooperation between our two friendly nations.”
According to the Qatar News Agency, the leaders also discussed regional stability, humanitarian aid, and the next steps in consolidating the Gaza ceasefire.
US Pushes for Phase Two of Gaza Stabilization Plan
The Air Force One meeting came after a series of high-level visits to Israel this week by Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Their mission: ensure Israel’s adherence to the ceasefire terms and finalize key elements of the Washington-led Gaza reconstruction and security framework.
However, analysts note that phase two of the plan remains unclear, particularly regarding:
- Hamas’s disarmament process
- Deployment of an international peacekeeping force in Gaza
- Guarantees for long-term border security and aid delivery
Trump told reporters following the meeting that the truce “will continue to hold,” but warned,
“If not, Hamas will not be hard to take care of. It will be very quickly. But I hope it holds for Hamas, too, because they gave us their word.”
He hinted that Qatari troops, along with forces from “59 other countries,” could participate in the international stabilization force, which he claimed could be operational “pretty quickly.”
Ceasefire Fragile Amid Continued Israeli Strikes
Despite diplomatic optimism, Israeli forces have continued conducting limited strikes in Gaza, with one attack on Nuseirat refugee camp killing at least one person and injuring four others. The Israeli military claimed it targeted a Palestinian Islamic Jihad operative planning assaults on Israeli troops.
Al Jazeera’s Hani Mahmoud, reporting from Gaza City, described the airstrike as “a clear breach of an already fragile ceasefire,” noting 88 reported violations in recent days involving attacks on displaced Palestinians attempting to return to their homes.
Meanwhile, Al Jazeera’s Dorsa Jabbari in Doha reported growing pressure from Israel and the United States on Hamas to return the bodies of Israeli captives killed in the October 7, 2023 attacks — a key sticking point in the negotiations.
Hamas has stated it “needs more time” to retrieve the remains from areas devastated by Israeli bombardments.
US, Qatar, and Allies Explore International Mandate
Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters that Washington is drafting a UN resolution or multinational agreement authorizing the deployment of the Gaza security force — a move required by many participating countries’ domestic laws.
“Many of the nations interested in joining the stabilization force will need a formal mandate before committing troops or funds,” Rubio said, noting ongoing coordination with European and Arab partners.
He is expected to continue discussions in Doha on Sunday.
Qatar’s Expanding Role in Middle East Diplomacy
Qatar has emerged as one of the most influential mediators in the Middle East, having previously facilitated talks between Hamas and Israel, as well as humanitarian negotiations with Iran and the US.
Trump praised Doha’s involvement, stating that “without Qatar’s mediation, this ceasefire would not have been possible.”
Al Jazeera’s Jabbari emphasized that US officials view Qatar’s diplomatic leverage as essential for transitioning the ceasefire into a sustainable peace plan.
“Moving forward, in order to advance from one stage to the next, it has to be with the input and consultation of the Qataris,” she reported.
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