US President Donald Trump has reassured Arab leaders that he will oppose any Israeli annexation of the already occupied West Bank, according to sources cited by NBC News.
This assurance comes amid increasing international concerns following several countries’ formal recognition of Palestinian statehood, which has heightened diplomatic tensions in the region.
The remarks were made during a presentation of Trump’s 21-point plan for peace in the Middle East, delivered to Arab leaders in New York during the United Nations General Assembly. According to Politico, the meeting included representatives from Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Egypt, and Turkey.
Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, described the discussions as “productive.” Speaking at the Concordia Annual Summit, Witkoff elaborated that the plan addresses the concerns of both Israel and its neighboring Arab countries.
“We presented what we call the Trump 21-point plan for peace in the Mideast, in Gaza. I think it addresses Israeli concerns, as well as the concerns of all the neighbors in the region. And we’re hopeful, and I might say even confident, that in the coming days, we’ll be able to announce some sort of breakthrough,” he said.
However, the specifics of any concrete progress remain uncertain, as previous promises of diplomacy have failed to halt Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza or secure the release of hostages held amid the conflict.
Annexation Controversy and International Reactions
Trump’s assurances come against a backdrop of rising tension over Israel’s West Bank policies. Right-wing members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition have advocated for annexing portions of the West Bank, a move that has drawn strong international criticism.
Several countries, including France, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Portugal, have officially recognized Palestine, signaling their opposition to annexation.
The United Arab Emirates has warned that annexation would cross a “red line,” potentially jeopardizing future recognition of Israel and undermining the Abraham Accords, the US-brokered agreements normalizing relations between Israel and several Arab states.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump remarked, “There’s been enough. It’s time to stop now,” emphasizing a US interest in maintaining stability in the region and preventing further escalation of violence.
US Diplomatic Engagement
Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Gulf foreign ministers to reaffirm the US commitment to ending the conflict.
He stressed: We understand very clearly that the situation in Gaza, the situation with Israel and Gaza, is a key concern for everyone in this room here today.
We want this conflict to end. We want it to end immediately… some very important work is ongoing, even as we speak, and we are hoping to achieve this as soon as possible.”
The US interest in the region is driven by multiple factors: ensuring Israel’s security, maintaining stability among Gulf allies, preventing humanitarian crises in Gaza, and safeguarding broader US strategic and economic interests in the Middle East, including energy security and counterterrorism cooperation.
The Ongoing Conflict in Gaza
The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate as Israel pursues military operations in Gaza City. Netanyahu has insisted that no Palestinian state will be established under his government and has advanced settlement plans that divide the West Bank, drawing condemnation from multiple international actors.
Palestinian Perspective: Abbas Addresses UNGA
Meanwhile, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the UN General Assembly via video, following the US revocation of his visa last month. Abbas described Israel’s campaign in Gaza as a: war of genocide, destruction, starvation, and displacement.”
He emphasized that Palestinians reject Hamas’s’ October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel and clarified that Hamas would have no role in governance. Abbas reaffirmed that the Palestinian Authority is “ready to bear full responsibility for governance and security” in Gaza, signaling willingness to work within international frameworks.
Global Diplomatic Implications
The situation has triggered reactions from Western nations, including several EU member states, which have either recognized Palestinian statehood or considered sanctions and tariffs against Israel.
The conflict highlights the delicate balance of power in the region, with the US playing a critical role as both a mediator and strategic ally of Israel, while also seeking to protect its relationships with Arab partners and maintain overall regional stability.
Trump’s involvement, particularly the 21-point plan, demonstrates that the US aims to shape the peace process, ensuring that Israel’s actions do not destabilize broader diplomatic relations while trying to mitigate civilian suffering in Gaza.
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