Trump Hosts Qatar Leadership on Air Force One to Discuss Critical Role in Gaza Ceasefire Agreement

The Qatari leadership boarded Air Force One during its landing at Al Udeid Air Base.

US President Donald Trump extended his gratitude to Qatar's emir and prime minister on Saturday for being a "big factor" in facilitating the Gaza ceasefire agreement during a refueling stop en route to Asia.

When Air Force One touched down at Al Udeid Air Base, which serves as the regional headquarters for US military operations and houses thousands of American troops, the Qatari leaders came aboard for discussions.

Trump acknowledged their pivotal role in the Middle East peace process, referring to Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani as his "friend to the world."

"What we've done is incredible peace to the Middle East, and they were a very big factor in it," Trump stated during the meeting.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who had just returned from Israel as part of Washington's intensive diplomatic efforts to maintain the Gaza truce, participated in the discussions with Qatar's leadership.

This trip marks Trump's first visit to Asia since resuming office in January, with his itinerary including two regional summits and face-to-face meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and other world leaders.

Qatar has fulfilled a crucial mediating function in the indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas since the war began, and stands among the guarantors of the delicate peace agreement, alongside Egypt, the United States, and Turkey.

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani recently hosted Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to discuss sensitive next steps in the agreement, including establishing a security force in Gaza and determining Hamas's future.

The prime minister of Qatar has been instrumental in negotiations since the conflict erupted following Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

The Air Force One discussions occurred as Israel conducted an airstrike targeting an alleged Islamic Jihad militant in Gaza.

Despite the ceasefire between Hamas, an Islamic Jihad ally, and Israel, the latter maintains its right to defend its forces from militant attacks.

"Let's see what they do over the next 48 hours. I am watching this very closely," Trump posted on his Truth Social platform after concluding talks with Qatar's leadership.