 "US President Donald Trump gestures during a cabinet meeting at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Tuesday. Reuters File")
President Donald Trump on Wednesday convened a high-level policy meeting to discuss the ongoing Gaza war, joined by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and former White House adviser Jared Kushner, according to a Reuters report, citing a senior US official.
The meeting, described by the official as “simply a policy session,” focused on key aspects of the Gaza conflict, including humanitarian aid deliveries, the hostage situation, and post-war reconstruction plans.
Trump was joined by top White House officials as well as Blair and Kushner, both of whom have long-standing experience with Middle East affairs.
Kushner, who served as a senior adviser during Trump’s first term and is married to Trump’s daughter Ivanka, played a central role in shaping US policy in the region.
Blair, who served as the UK prime minister during the 2003 Iraq war, has remained active in Middle East diplomacy since leaving office.
On Tuesday, US special envoy Steve Witkoff previewed the session during an appearance on Fox News.
“It is a very comprehensive plan we are putting together on the next day (in Gaza) and many people are going to see how robust it is and how well meaning it is and it reflects President Trump’s humanitarian motives here,” Witkoff had said.
President Trump had pledged a swift end to the Gaza war during his election campaign last year, but more than seven months into his second term, a resolution remains out of reach.
His presidency began with a temporary ceasefire that held for two months, until Israeli airstrikes on March 18 killed around 400 Palestinians.
In recent weeks, graphic images of malnourished Palestinians — including children — have drawn international outrage and intensified criticism of Israel over worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
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View All“President Trump has been clear that he wants the war to end, and he wants peace and prosperity for everyone in the region. The White House has nothing additional to share on the meeting at this time," Reuters quoted a second White House official as saying.
With inputs from agencies