The diplomatic landscape shifted dramatically following an Israeli airstrike on September 9, 2024, in Doha, Qatar. Israeli jets targeted a residential area where Hamas representatives were discussing peace initiatives related to the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip. This attack not only endangered civilian lives but also complicated the already fragile negotiations for a ceasefire.
The strike, which failed to eliminate its intended targets, provoked outrage among officials in both the region and Washington. As tensions escalated, the pressure intensified on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from U.S. President Donald Trump and his advisors to reconsider his approach toward Hamas. Just 20 days after the attack, the two leaders appeared together at the White House, announcing a peace plan aimed at resolving the nearly two-year-long war.
In a video statement from the Oval Office, Trump characterized the day as “a big, big day, a beautiful day, potentially one of the great days ever in civilization.” Netanyahu, while more measured, stated the proposal “achieves our war aims.” The announcement came after Hamas expressed willingness to release all Israeli hostages in Gaza, a move seen as a potential step toward peace, though it raised questions about whether it would meet the conditions set by Israel and the U.S.
The Israeli strike on Qatar, which resulted in civilian casualties but no senior Hamas officials being killed, prompted a shift in the U.S. stance. Trump, who had previously given Netanyahu considerable leeway in dealing with Hamas, became increasingly vocal in advocating for a structured framework to end the conflict. The White House viewed the attack as an opportunity to pressure Netanyahu into making concessions that had previously been off the table.
High-Stakes Diplomacy and Regional Reactions
In the days following the airstrike, Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and former Middle East envoy, re-entered negotiations, facilitating discussions among Arab nations. The Qatari government, alongside Egypt, has served as a crucial mediator in the Gaza conflict, but the airstrike strained relations with them. Qatari officials expressed their anger over the attack, feeling that their role as mediators had been undermined.
Despite the setback, an emergency summit of Arab and Muslim nations convened in Doha on September 15, leading to a unified set of demands aimed at ending the conflict. These included calls for a cessation of Israeli military operations and a commitment to prevent the forced displacement of Palestinians in Gaza. The Qatari delegation later presented these demands to U.S. officials in New York ahead of the United Nations General Assembly on September 22.
During a private meeting on September 20, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani urged U.S. officials for assurances that Israel would refrain from further strikes against Qatar. Trump and Kushner engaged in discussions about a comprehensive plan that not only called for a ceasefire but aimed for a broader resolution to the conflict.
As negotiations progressed, Trump and Kushner met with Arab leaders at the UN General Assembly, outlining a plan that incorporated key points from the Doha summit. The proposal suggested a staged withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and included provisions for the return of hostages. However, it faced skepticism from Netanyahu, who sought to maintain flexibility in managing the conflict.
Unresolved Issues and Future Challenges
As the negotiations continued, underlying tensions remained. Some Arab nations expressed dissent regarding the proposed plan. For instance, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif supported the plan, but his foreign minister criticized it, indicating significant divisions among regional leaders.
On September 25, negotiations between U.S. and Israeli delegations intensified, with Trump encouraging a firm stance against Netanyahu’s requests for modifications to the peace plan. A lengthy session on September 28 focused on contentious issues, from specific language in the proposal to broader governance concerns in Gaza.
By the end of these negotiations, a tentative agreement emerged, paving the way for a public announcement. However, Netanyahu was required to apologize to Qatar for the September 9 strike before proceeding. Trump emphasized the necessity of this apology, reminding Netanyahu that even he had to apologize at times.
In a moment captured by the media, Netanyahu delivered his apology to the Qatari Prime Minister while seated next to Trump in the Oval Office. This gesture, alongside the announcement of the peace proposal, marked a pivotal moment in the complex web of Middle Eastern diplomacy.
As the world observes these developments, the effectiveness of the proposed peace plan remains uncertain. The challenges of implementation loom large, with skepticism from both sides. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether this latest diplomatic effort can bring about lasting peace in a region marked by decades of conflict.
