Qatar’s spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari said the Gulf state was also reassured by security guarantees from the United States in the wake of the September 9 incident, which targeted senior Hamas officials engaged in U.S.-backed ceasefire negotiations. The attack resulted in the deaths of at least five lower-ranking Hamas members and a Qatari security official, though top Hamas leaders survived.

Turning to Gaza, Al-Ansari noted that Doha is awaiting Hamas’s formal response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s peace initiative but expressed optimism that the group would accept the proposal. The initiative, described by Qatar as a comprehensive vision to end the war in Gaza, aims to restore stability to the region.

The spokesperson also confirmed that Turkey will join the mediation team in discussions on Tuesday, alongside Qatar, the U.S., and other international partners, to advance negotiations.

Trump announced Monday that Netanyahu had pledged support for a broad Gaza peace plan designed to secure an immediate ceasefire. The 20-point plan calls for coordinated Israeli withdrawals aligned with the release of the final hostages held by Hamas, with an initial ceasefire taking effect during the process.

The apology and ongoing diplomatic efforts highlight a multilateral push to address the conflict in Gaza, with key regional and global stakeholders working to prevent further escalation and support long-term peace in the region.

Trump’s active diplomacy in the region has been praised by international observers as a proactive step toward conflict resolution.

U.S. President Donald Trump indicated Friday that a significant breakthrough in Gaza could be imminent, with the potential to end the nearly two-year-long conflict and secure the safe return of hostages. Speaking to reporters before leaving the White House to attend the Ryder Cup in New York, Trump said, “It’s looking like we have a deal on Gaza. I think it’s a deal that gets the hostages back, and it’s going to be a deal that ends the war”

Although he did not provide specific details or a timeline, Trump’s remarks signal that high-level negotiations are actively underway. A senior White House official confirmed that Trump is scheduled to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday to discuss a framework aimed at a comprehensive peace agreement.

The U.S. recently circulated a detailed 21-point Middle East peace plan to regional leaders, including officials from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Indonesia, and Pakistan. The plan emphasizes the safe return of all hostages, cessation of attacks on Qatar, and renewed dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians to foster long-term peaceful coexistence.

The initiative reflects strong international engagement, with Trump consulting representatives from several Middle Eastern nations alongside Netanyahu to advance the peace process. This effort comes amid the ongoing humanitarian challenges in Gaza, where the war has led to significant civilian casualties and widespread destruction.

Since the conflict began on October 7, 2023, following a Hamas incursion into Israel, the situation has remained tense, with hundreds of hostages taken and substantial loss of life on both sides. The U.S.-led peace efforts aim to halt further escalation, provide humanitarian relief, and create a platform for sustainable dialogue between Israel and the Palestinian territories.

Trump’s active diplomacy in the region has been praised by international observers as a proactive step toward conflict resolution. The White House plan seeks to balance security concerns with humanitarian priorities, offering a framework for de-escalation and reconciliation.

While challenges remain, the announcement of potential progress brings renewed optimism for families of hostages and communities affected by the war. Analysts note that successful implementation of the plan could mark a historic turning point for Middle East peace efforts, potentially ending one of the region’s most persistent conflicts.

The upcoming meeting with Netanyahu will be a critical step in finalizing the terms of the agreement and ensuring the plan’s success. With coordinated international support, the U.S. aims to facilitate the safe return of hostages and lay the groundwork for a lasting resolution in Gaza.

Sharif’s visit comes at a time when Pakistan is increasingly engaging in regional defense and diplomatic initiatives.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday, in a high-profile engagement that signals a renewed era of strategic and economic collaboration between the two nations. Accompanied by Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, Sharif highlighted key areas where American investment could support Pakistan’s development while strengthening bilateral ties.

During the meeting, Sharif invited U.S. companies to explore opportunities in Pakistan’s agriculture, technology, mining, and energy sectors. His office noted that these sectors represent significant potential for long-term growth and sustainable development. Previously, President Trump had encouraged American companies to explore oil exploration opportunities in Pakistan, underscoring the alignment of economic and strategic interests between the two countries.

“The Prime Minister expressed confidence that under President Trump’s leadership, the Pakistan-U.S. partnership would be further strengthened for the mutual benefit of both nations,” said the official statement from the Prime Minister’s office. The meeting highlighted a shared vision of collaboration that extends beyond economic interests, reflecting a commitment to long-term partnership and regional stability.

The discussions also addressed pressing regional security concerns, with a particular focus on efforts to achieve peace in the Middle East. Sharif praised President Trump’s proactive diplomacy aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Earlier in the week, Pakistan participated in meetings on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, where President Trump presented a 21-point plan to leaders of Muslim-majority nations. U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff expressed confidence that the plan could pave the way for tangible breakthroughs, with Pakistan playing a constructive role.

This engagement marks the first meeting between a Pakistani civilian leader and President Trump at the White House since his first term, when former Prime Minister Imran Khan was hosted in 2019. The presence of Army Chief Munir, who wields substantial influence in Pakistan’s political and military spheres, reinforced the message of civil-military coordination in shaping the country’s foreign and economic policy.

Sharif’s visit comes at a time when Pakistan is increasingly engaging in regional defense and diplomatic initiatives. Earlier this month, the country formalized a mutual defense agreement with Saudi Arabia, highlighting its growing influence in Middle Eastern security affairs. As the only nuclear-armed Muslim-majority nation with one of the largest standing armies, Pakistan is positioning itself as a key partner for stability in the region while promoting economic development.

The White House meeting underscores Pakistan’s proactive approach to strengthening economic partnerships. By offering investment opportunities in strategic sectors, Pakistan aims to attract foreign capital that can drive innovation, technological advancement, and sustainable growth. Analysts note that such engagement with American investors can enhance Pakistan’s industrial and agricultural productivity, while also boosting energy security and infrastructure development.

Furthermore, the meeting reflected a broader diplomatic effort to align economic incentives with regional peace initiatives. Pakistan’s leadership emphasized that collaboration with the United States is not limited to financial investment but extends to shared objectives in peace-building, regional stability, and strategic defense planning. This dual focus on economic and diplomatic engagement represents a modern approach to international partnerships, blending commercial interests with geopolitical foresight.

Observers argue that Pakistan’s overtures signal a strategic recalibration. By inviting American investment and participating actively in regional peace efforts, the country is demonstrating its reliability as a partner for international investors and global diplomatic stakeholders. This approach also reinforces Pakistan’s commitment to playing a constructive role in addressing conflicts in the Middle East while maintaining robust bilateral relations with the United States.

The meeting between Prime Minister Sharif and President Trump is being viewed as a milestone in the ongoing effort to strengthen U.S.-Pakistan ties. It reflects mutual recognition of the benefits of collaboration in areas of shared interest and highlights Pakistan’s readiness to take on a greater role in international economic and security initiatives. With a focus on long-term cooperation, both nations appear poised to deepen their partnership for mutual economic growth and regional stability.