GAZA CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND POSTWAR PLANS IN FLUX
Bottom Line Up Front: * Trump’s visit to several Arab Gulf states coincides with U.S. efforts to restore the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza and develop a plan for its postwar administration. * Israel is preparing to take over much of Gaza if no temporary ceasefire plan is adopted before Trump’s return to Washington at the end of the week. * U.S. involvement in Gaza will deepen significantly if a new plan for distributing aid is implemented and stakeholders support the establishment of a U.S.-led interim administration for postwar Gaza. * Proposals for an expanded U.S. role in Gaza reflect frustration over the repeated failure to reach another ceasefire and hostage release agreement or achieve consensus on a postwar governance plan. U.S. President Donald Trump begins a visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Wednesday as unresolved regional conflicts rage and some negotiations proceed. Although Trump is hoping to use the trip to attract significant investment from the wealthy Gulf states, his interlocutors are sure to press for U.S. commitments on two issues that remain top of mind for Gulf leaders – a resolution of the conflict in Gaza, and the U.S.-Iran talks to restore limitations on Iran’s nuclear program. Gaza remains a devastated and still active war zone more than 18 months after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. Gulf leaders are hoping that the U.S.-Iran talks produce a settlement that avoids the outbreak of a new regional conflict. Other issues...
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