US President Trump engages Muslim leaders, including PM Shehbaz, on Gaza, Israel withdrawal

New York, Tuesday, September 23, 2025 – US President Donald Trump met with leaders of Muslim-majority countries on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. The focus of the 50-minute discussion was the Gaza crisis and the wider Middle East situation.

The meeting included Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and leaders from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, and the UAE. Trump called it an “honour” to meet the Islamic leaders and praised their role in addressing global challenges.

Turkish President Erdogan described the talks as “extremely productive.” He confirmed that a joint declaration will be issued soon but did not share full details. Turkey has strongly criticised Israel’s assault on Gaza, calling it “genocide.” Ankara has already stopped all trade with Israel and urged for international action and an immediate ceasefire.

Speaking to reporters in New York, Trump described the meeting as “extremely important.” He said efforts were being made to bring the Gaza war to an end, stressing, “We are going to end something that we did not start.” According to US media, Washington is planning for an Israeli withdrawal and future governance in Gaza without Hamas.

Reports suggest Washington wants Arab and Muslim nations to send troops to Gaza. These forces would oversee the transition, help in rebuilding programmes, and prepare for post-war governance. Sources say the plan was not written by Israel, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been informed. The Palestinian Authority (PA) might have a role, though Israel has often rejected its involvement.

Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has drawn worldwide criticism. Local health authorities say over 65,000 Palestinians have been killed. Recently, Israel launched a major ground assault on Gaza City. Despite global anger, the US continues to be Israel’s strongest ally.

On Monday, France and Saudi Arabia hosted a special summit at the UN to support Palestinian statehood. The US and Israel boycotted the meeting. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres later told the Security Council that recognition of Palestine is the “clearest path” to a two-state solution. However, full UN membership still needs Security Council approval, where the US often uses its veto to block resolutions critical of Israel.