An unexpected chain of events beginning with a failed Israeli military operation has led to President Trump's ambitious plan to end the war in Gaza. What initially appeared as a diplomatic crisis transformed into an opportunity for peace negotiations, according to insider accounts of the high-stakes discussions that unfolded over recent weeks.
According to reporting by Axios, the foundation for Trump's peace plan was laid three weeks before its Monday announcement, when Israel conducted an unsuccessful airstrike in Qatar aimed at eliminating Hamas leadership. The strike united Arab leaders in opposition to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and intensified domestic pressure within Israel for a hostage deal and war resolution. Trump advisers Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, though initially outraged by the strike, recognized the unified Arab response as a potential catalyst for peace negotiations. "It became clear, particularly to Steve, that this rallying cry that seemed negative at first could be turned into something positive," a Trump adviser told Axios.
The incident occurred just one day after Witkoff and Kushner had met with Netanyahu's confidant Ron Dermer in Miami to discuss Gaza peace efforts. The advisers felt deceived when the strike occurred, though Dermer later claimed ignorance of the planned operation. Qatar immediately suspended its mediation role and launched an international lobbying campaign against Israel.
Seizing the diplomatic opening, Witkoff and Kushner developed a comprehensive 21-point plan combining existing ceasefire proposals with a post-war reconstruction strategy crafted by Kushner and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. The plan was unveiled to leaders from eight Arab and Muslim nations during a summit in New York, receiving positive initial reactions.
However, negotiations with Netanyahu proved challenging. After a defiant UN speech on Friday that ignored the Trump initiative entirely, rumors circulated that the Israeli leader might reject the plan. This prompted Trump to issue a stark ultimatum during a "stern and clear" phone call. According to sources, Trump told Netanyahu, "Take it or leave it. And leaving means we walk away from you."
Over the weekend, Trump and Netanyahu spoke five times, with the American president demanding a "clear yes" without conditions. While Trump accommodated some Israeli security concerns, he refused modifications aimed at satisfying Netanyahu's hard-right coalition partners. The president assured Netanyahu of full backing to continue fighting if Hamas rejected the proposal.
By Sunday night, after hours of intense negotiations, both sides had significantly narrowed their differences, including language for Netanyahu's apology to Qatar. However, Arab officials expressed frustration over Israeli-requested changes, particularly regarding withdrawal terms from Gaza.
Despite Arab advisers suggesting delays, Trump published the plan on Monday and expects Hamas's response within three to four days. The United States is relying on Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey to pressure Hamas into acceptance, with the implicit threat that rejection would leave the organization "unfunded and on an island." As one U.S. official cautiously noted: "You never know with these guys. So fingers crossed for Hamas."
Photo: Gemini AI