Diplomatic Pivot: Trump Envoys Head to Doha to Break Gaza Deal Deadlock After Putin Talks

Top U.S. envoys, including Steve Witkoff and likely Jared Kushner, are reportedly planning a trip to Qatar following a crucial meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, signaling a renewed American push to achieve a breakthrough in the Gaza war’s second phase. Sources familiar with the talks note that while Washington’s primary focus remains the Russia-Ukraine war, the Trump administration is actively seeking a path to unstick the "unbearable deadlock" between Israel and the Hamas terrorists.

The American goal is to pressure for an advancement to Phase Two of the Gaza deal. However, this move is encountering significant roadblocks:

The Stalemate and U.S. Strategy

A source familiar with the details told the press that despite the U.S. focus on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, especially following a "positive" round of talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Miami, the possibility of Witkoff and Kushner visiting Qatar by the end of the week is being considered to "get the wagon out of the mud."

Facing the impasse, the U.S. has reportedly proposed creating "model cities" in areas not under the control of the Hamas terrorists, such as Rafah, as a potential path forward. This proposal acknowledges Israel’s need to protect its soldiers by firing on anyone crossing the border line and is intended to circumvent the stalemate over full reconstruction.

Hamas, meanwhile, is continuously messaging the U.S. that Israel is "continuing to kill residents of the Strip without any provocation," though an American source indicated the casualty rate is lower than previously, around "ten a day." For now, the U.S. remains firm in its support for Israel.

Hardening Positions and Global Hesitancy

An American source cautioned against optimism, noting that as Israel’s election year is underway, "positions are hardening and becoming more extreme," making a breakthrough dependent on external pressure applied to Netanyahu to move to the next phase.

Adding to the complexity, the source revealed that many countries that initially volunteered to join the international stabilization force have since withdrawn or are hesitating. This reluctance stems from a fear of engaging in violent confrontation with the Hamas terrorists or any other Palestinian faction that might resist the foreign deployment.

In addition to the Middle East, Trump's attention is focused on the Russia-Ukraine war, with a special National Security Council meeting scheduled for tomorrow to discuss the potential for a strike against Venezuela.