Trump’s Middle East gamble: why Qatar, not Israel, is shaping the future of Gaza — Financial Times

Following months of conflict in Gaza, the “Trump Peace Agreement” now faces uncertainty. Although hostages have been freed, Hamas still holds weapons and Israel remains in Gaza. Experts say the only way forward is to deploy an international stabilization force, coordinated by the U.S. Central Command in Doha — where Qatar has emerged as the pivotal mediator.

Source Financial Times

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s overconfidence in U.S. backing led him to ignore growing global criticism of Israel’s campaign. That miscalculation backfired: when mediation talks shifted to Doha, Trump sided with Qatar instead of Israel, marking a significant diplomatic shift.

The article concludes that Qatar has quietly replaced Israel as the key broker in Middle East peace efforts. While Israel’s military power remains, its diplomatic influence has eroded. Qatar’s rise reflects a new regional balance of power, driven by pragmatism, energy politics, and shifting American priorities.