What's happened
On August 27-28, 2025, President Donald Trump convened a White House meeting with former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and Jared Kushner to discuss Gaza's post-war future amid ongoing Israeli military operations. Topics included escalating food aid, the hostage crisis, and potential US involvement in Gaza's governance. Meanwhile, Israeli forces intensified assaults on Gaza City, causing significant civilian casualties and displacement.
What's behind the headline?
Strategic Calculations Behind the White House Meeting
The White House meeting chaired by President Trump, involving Tony Blair and Jared Kushner, signals a concerted effort to shape Gaza's post-conflict landscape amid a devastating war. Trump's prior proposals to take over Gaza and relocate Palestinians reveal a willingness to pursue radical solutions that challenge international norms and have drawn widespread condemnation.
Military Escalation and Humanitarian Impact
Israeli forces' intensified operations around Gaza City, described as Hamas's last bastion, have led to significant civilian casualties and displacement. The declared famine and destruction of homes exacerbate the humanitarian crisis, complicating any post-war reconstruction or governance plans.
Political Dynamics and Hostage Negotiations
The hostage crisis remains a critical factor influencing Israeli military strategy and US diplomatic posture. Trump's administration opposes phased hostage releases, aligning with Israel's hardline stance, which risks prolonging the conflict and endangering hostages amid planned offensives.
International and Regional Reactions
While Israel supports Trump's vision, regional actors and international bodies reject forced displacement and US military involvement in Gaza. Tony Blair's involvement reflects attempts to mediate and plan for Gaza's future governance, though details remain opaque.
Forecast and Consequences
The planned Israeli offensive in Gaza City will likely extend the conflict, increase civilian suffering, and complicate diplomatic efforts. Trump's administration's comprehensive plan, still undisclosed, may face significant challenges in implementation due to regional opposition and on-the-ground realities. The humanitarian crisis demands urgent attention, but military and political objectives currently dominate the agenda.
What the papers say
Andrew Feinberg of The Independent reports that Trump, Blair, and Kushner discussed all aspects of Gaza, including escalating food aid, the hostage crisis, and post-war plans, with Trump previously suggesting a US takeover of Gaza and relocation of Palestinians. The New Arab highlights the intensification of Israeli assaults on Gaza City and the UN's declaration of famine, noting Trump's controversial proposal to redevelop Gaza as seaside real estate. Mikey Smith in The Mirror reveals Blair's involvement in closed-door meetings with Trump and Kushner, focusing on post-war plans and hostage issues, while Lib Dem leader Ed Davey calls for Blair to testify before Parliament. The Times of Israel provides insight into the coordination between US and Israeli officials, including meetings involving Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, and notes the administration's opposition to phased hostage releases. Al Jazeera emphasizes the humanitarian crisis, with UN experts condemning enforced disappearances at aid sites and Gaza's Ministry of Health reporting deaths from starvation. SBS details the ongoing Israeli military operations around Gaza City and the evacuation challenges faced by civilians. These sources collectively illustrate a complex interplay of military escalation, humanitarian disaster, and high-level diplomatic maneuvering shaping Gaza's uncertain future.
How we got here
The conflict escalated after Hamas's October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel, leading to a prolonged Israeli military campaign in Gaza. The enclave faces a humanitarian crisis with famine declared by the UN. Trump has proposed controversial plans including US takeover of Gaza and relocating Palestinians, sparking international criticism. Israeli operations focus on Gaza City, Hamas's last stronghold.
Go deeper
- What are the details of Trump's proposed plan for Gaza?
- How is the humanitarian situation evolving in Gaza City?
- What is the status of the hostage negotiations involving Hamas?
Common question
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Gaza Conflict: What’s Next for US Involvement and Aid?
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has raised many questions about the future role of the US. From potential military involvement to humanitarian aid, people want to understand what’s next. In this page, we explore the latest developments, US plans, and the risks of escalation in the Middle East. Keep reading to find out what experts are saying and what it could mean for the region and the world.
More on these topics
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Anthony Charles Lynton Blair is a British politician who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1997 to 2007 and Leader of the Labour Party from 1994 to 2007.
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Jared Corey Kushner is an American investor, real-estate developer, and newspaper publisher who is currently senior advisor to his father-in-law, Donald Trump, the President of the United States.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization that aims to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.
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Gaza most commonly refers to:
Gaza Strip, a Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea
Gaza City, a city in the Gaza Strip
Gaza may also refer to:
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Benjamin Netanyahu is an Israeli politician serving as Prime Minister of Israel since 2009, and previously from 1996 to 1999. Netanyahu is also the Chairman of the Likud – National Liberal Movement.
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Steven Charles Witkoff is an American real estate investor and landlord based in New York City, and founder of the Witkoff Group.
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Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
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The Israel Defense Forces, commonly known in Israel by the Hebrew acronym Tzahal, are the military forces of the State of Israel. They consist of the ground forces, air force, and navy. It is the sole military wing of the Israeli security forces, and has
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Gaza City, often simply called Gaza, is a city in the Gaza Strip, Palestine, and the capital of the Gaza Governorate. Located on the Mediterranean coast, 76.6 kilometres (47.6 mi) southwest of Jerusalem, it was home to Palestine's only port. With a popula
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Marco Antonio Rubio is an American attorney and politician currently serving as the senior United States Senator from Florida. A Republican, Rubio previously served as Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives.
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Ron Dermer is an American-born Israeli political consultant and diplomat who currently serves as the Israeli Ambassador to the United States.