Trump dances to ‘YMCA’ as he ends visit to military base

Trump has ended his visit to al-Udeid military base after delivering remarks to US troops stationed there.

He will now leave Qatar shortly and head towards the UAE which is scheduled to be his last stop of the regional tour.

Before leaving, Trump waved his fists to the beat of the song “YMCA” as he exited the stage.

Trump would attend Russia-Ukraine talks ‘if appropriate’

During a morning briefing in Doha, Trump said he would consider travelling to Istanbul on Friday “if it was appropriate”, referring to Russia-Ukraine peace talks hosted in the Turkish metropolis.

“If something happened, I’d go Friday, if it was appropriate,” Trump said at a meeting with business leaders in Qatar’s capital.

“We have people right now negotiating, and I think that I just hope that Russia and Ukraine are able to do something.”

You can follow all the latest on the peace talks on our live page here.

Pezeshkian says Iran will ‘not bow’ to bullying from Trump

Yesterday, Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian said his country would not “bow to any bully” in response to Trump’s criticism of Tehran during his ongoing three-day Gulf tour.

“He [Trump] thinks he can come here, chant slogans and scare us. For us, martyrdom is far sweeter than dying in bed. You came to frighten us? We will not bow to any bully,” he said on Wednesday in comments broadcast live on state TV.

Earlier on Wednesday, during the GCC summit in Riyadh, Trump said that while he wanted to make a deal with Iran, the country “must stop sponsoring terror, halt its bloody proxy wars, and permanently and verifiably cease its pursuit of nuclear weapons”.

Washington and Tehran have held four meetings that were mediated by Oman to help reach a deal over the latter’s nuclear programme.

Read the rest here.

US should ‘take’ Gaza and turn it into ‘freedom zone’

Trump said he wants to “take” Gaza and turn it into a “freedom zone”.

“I have concepts for Gaza that I think are very good, make it a freedom zone, let the US get involved and make it just a freedom zone,” he said.

Earlier this year, Trump also touted the idea of the US taking long-term ownership of the Strip, while it is rebuilt and redeveloped as the “Riviera of the Middle East”.

Trump dances to ‘God Bless the USA’ at military base in Qatar

Trump has now arrived at al-Udeid military base in Qatar.

The president stood on stage, shimmying and swaying to a song titled “God Bless the USA”, before he started his address.

He was flanked by rows of American troops behind him.

Trump arrives at al-Udeid Air Base

The US president has arrived at al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar ahead of his departure for the UAE.

Stay with us as we bring you all the latest from him time there.

You can also watch our livestream at the top of this page.

Trump en route to military base in Qatar

Trump is headed to Qatar’s al-Udeid Air Base to meet American troops, Margo Martin, Trump’s special assistant and communications advisor, said in a post on X.

Trilateral consultations involving Trump, MBS and Qatar’s emir took place in Riyadh

Trump, Qatar’s emir and the Saudi crown prince also held trilateral consultations on Wednesday in Riyadh, on the sidelines of the GCC-US summit.

During Trump’s visit to Riyadh, the US made a series of major announcements, among them the decision to lift sanctions against Syria put in place during Bashar al-Assad’s leadership.

From Riyadh, Trump flew to Qatar, where the US president also spoke of efforts made by Qatar’s emir and Saudi Arabia’s crown prince to enhance regional partnerships.

Businesses to see ‘potential economic boost’ by Trump’s visit

Local media in Qatar is reporting that business leaders from the US and Qatar “are highlighting the potential economic boost” by Trump’s visit to the country.

“This visit reflects the enduring strategic interest of US leadership in strengthening ties with Qatar,” Sheikha Mayes Al Thani, managing director at the US-Qatar Business Council (USQBC), was quoted as saying by The Peninsula.

“From a business standpoint, high-level visits such as this underscore the importance of US-Qatar economic relations and help create an enabling environment for deeper private sector engagement, trade and investment.”

Syria’s al-Sharaa sees future of ‘work and prosperity’ after sanctions

Addressing the nation for the first time since President Trump lifted sanctions against Damascus in a surprise move on Wednesday, Syria’s new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa said the move will alleviate “the suffering of the people, contributes to their rebirth and lays the foundations for stability in the region”.

US-Iran could be close to an agreement

After four rounds of talks, we don’t exactly know what the US position and demands are for Iran. At times, we heard that Iran can maintain a civilian nuclear programme. Later, we would hear that it can’t have a nuclear programme at all.

There are lots of technical details that need to be discussed to formulate a deal but they could be pretty close to an agreement. There are also those in the Trump administration pushing very hard for this, including the Israel lobby.

Trump heaping praise on Qatar’s mediation efforts

Trump said he’s trying to address the situation in terms of upgrading the US defence systems, reinvigorating the military, saving money for the country, but at the same time, using his personal relations with royal families in the Middle East that would generate trillions of dollars in the US market.

Today he’s been very grateful to the Qataris, heaping praise on the emir.

And while he will pursue a path of reconciliation and a deal with Iran, he remains steadfast when it comes to the fact that acquiring a nuclear capability is a no-go zone for Tehran, and said at one point that Qatar is best positioned to be the one to mediate with Iran.

He said the Iranians should be very happy to have someone like the Qatari emir, who has been fighting for a peaceful resolution, not a confrontation.

Trump to cap Qatar visit with call on US troops

Trump is set to cap his visit to Qatar with a speech to US soldiers stationed in the Gulf state before he flies to the UAE for the last leg of his Middle East tour.

Trump will address troops at Qatar’s Al Udeid Air Base, about 30km (20 miles) southwest of Doha.

Al Udeid Air Base is the biggest US military installation in the Middle East and has played a large role in US operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria.

US recognises Qatar’s growing role as key regional player

Trump’s visit is the first by a sitting US president to Qatar since 2003, further acknowledgement of the ever-growing role of Qatar as a key regional player.

This is a country that Americans have relied on in the past, particularly when it comes to mediating a deal with the Taliban.

It’s one of the most respected mediators in the region. They have been very successful at it to the point where the Americans came back to them to bring Hamas and the Israelis to negotiate.

This is the reason why the Americans are looking forward to further expanding that relationship. And we heard Trump saying that he relies on the Qataris when it comes to providing him with assistance as he’s trying to push for a deal with Iran. They want to do it together with trusted allies, and Qatar is one of them.

Trump: ‘Iran very lucky to have Qatar’s emir fighting for them’

“Iran is very lucky to have Qatar’s emir,” said Trump.

“He doesn’t want us to do a vicious blow to Iran. He’s [Qatar’s emir] is fighting very much that we don’t [strike Iran]. Many people want us to go the other way round.”

‘My honour’ to have lifted Syria sanctions, says Trump

Here is some more from Trump in his morning briefing:

• Syria had “no chance with the sanctions… They were very biting. Nobody could even deal with them.”
• Syria’s new president is “a strong guy… I thought he was good and let’s see what happens, but we’re going to give him a fighting chance.”
• Turkiye and Saudi Arabia wanted the lift and it’s “been very popular” regionally. “Let’s see what happens, but it’s my honour to have done it.”

Trump says ‘very serious negotiations’ with Iran for peace

Just before his departure to Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, Trump said there are “very serious negotiations” taking place with Iran for long-term peace.

“If we do that, it will be fantastic.”

Stay with us as we bring you all the latest from his briefing this morning from Qatar.

What’s Trump’s plan for today?

• Meets business leaders for breakfast before leaving for Al Udeid Air Base.
• Departs for the UAE at 1pm (10:00 GMT).
• Reaches Abu Dhabi at about 3:10pm (11:10 GMT).
• Tours the city’s famed Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
• Dinner at Qasr al-Watan, the UAE’s presidential palace.

US base in Qatar ‘extremely important’ for American troops

The military base Trump is set to visit is a key component of the strategic relationship between the US and Qatar.

A year ago, the two countries decided to extend the deal for the base for the next 10 years. Yesterday, they signed an agreement of intent to invest $38bn to upgrade it.

From a purely military perspective, the base is extremely important for American troops operating in the Middle East. It gives them a sense of advantage in gathering intelligence information.

Key takeaways from Trump’s Qatar visit

Trump wraps up his visit to Qatar today before heading to the UAE.

Read about the key takeaways from his visit to the Gulf state here.

If you’re just joining us

Here are the latest developments:

• President Trump is set to wrap up his Middle East tour with a visit to the UAE, where discussions about the Gulf state’s ambitions to become a semiconductor powerhouse will take centre stage.
• Qatar Airways has hailed as “historic” its agreement with Boeing – penned during Trump’s visit to Doha on Wednesday – to acquire up to 210 787 Dreamliner and 777X aircraft at a cost of $96bn.
• Speaking at a state dinner in Qatar’s capital, Trump pushed for Iran to accept a deal curbing its nuclear programme, saying he doesn’t want talks to take a “violent course”.
• Republicans are adding their voices to a chorus of concern about Trump’s plans to accept a Boeing 747 from Qatar to use as Air Force One, with Senator Roger Wicker saying the move would be like “moving into the Qatari embassy”.
• Speaking in a television address, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa welcomed President Trump’s “courageous” lifting of sanctions on his country.
• Trump’s surprise announcement also reportedly caught State Department and Treasury Department personnel off guard, with officials now reportedly scrambling to understand how to proceed.

Time Trump drops Netanyahu, says Marwan Bishara

Al Jazeera’s senior political analyst Marwan Bishara highlights that President Trump’s Gulf tour goes beyond trade figures and massive investment deals.

Bishara said that while economic agreements were front and centre, they serve a deeper strategic purpose, reflecting a shift in Washington’s approach under President Trump.

Rather than letting geopolitics shape economic decisions, Bishara suggests that Trump is using economics as the primary tool to drive his geopolitical agenda, particularly in the Middle East.

White House posts videos of Trump with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim

The White House social media team has released a flurry of videos of Trump’s time spent with the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

The videos posted on X by Margo Martin, Trump’s special assistant and communications adviser, include vision of the US president and emir watching a sword dancing ceremony at Al Wajba Palace in Doha.

Future of Middle East ‘commerce not chaos’, Trump’s energy secretary says

United States Secretary of Energy Chris Wright is among the members of Trump’s cabinet accompanying the president on his Middle East tour.

In a post on X on Thursday, Wright reiterated a major theme of Trump’s address in Saudi Arabia: that a new generation of leaders in the region is transcending ancient conflicts and divisions to forge a peaceful and prosperous future.

“President Trump is absolutely right – the future of the Middle East is commerce not chaos,” Wright wrote.

“I’m honored to join @POTUS on this trip to ensure that American energy remains the backbone of global stability and strength for years to come.”

AI development likely to be a focus for Trump in UAE final leg of Gulf tour

The UAE holds ambitions to become a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI), and it’s hoping the US will help the wealthy Gulf nation transform itself into a semiconductor powerhouse by giving it access to cutting-edge chips currently subject to export restrictions.

Former US President Joe Biden had imposed strict restrictions on exporting AI chips to the Middle East and other regions, fearing they could be diverted to China.

But on Wednesday, the Reuters news agency reported that the Trump administration had made a preliminary agreement with the UAE to allow it to import 500,000 of Nvidia’s most advanced AI chips a year, starting this year.

The UAE hopes the deal will boost the construction of in-country data centres capable of developing artificial intelligence models.

During a visit to Washington in March, the UAE’s National Security Adviser Tahnoun bin Zayed said the country has proposed $1.4 trillion in US investments over the next 10 years, focusing on AI and semiconductor infrastructure, the energy sector and manufacturing.

Time Trump drops Netanyahu, says Marwan Bishara

Al Jazeera’s senior political analyst Marwan Bishara highlights that President Trump’s Gulf tour goes beyond trade figures and massive investment deals.

Bishara said that while economic agreements were front and centre, they serve a deeper strategic purpose, reflecting a shift in Washington’s approach under President Trump.

Rather than letting geopolitics shape economic decisions, Bishara suggests that Trump is using economics as the primary tool to drive his geopolitical agenda, particularly in the Middle East.

White House posts videos of Trump with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim

The White House social media team has released a flurry of videos of Trump’s time spent with the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

The videos posted on X by Margo Martin, Trump’s special assistant and communications adviser, include vision of the US president and emir watching a sword dancing ceremony at Al Wajba Palace in Doha.

Future of Middle East ‘commerce not chaos’, Trump’s energy secretary says

United States Secretary of Energy Chris Wright is among the members of Trump’s cabinet accompanying the president on his Middle East tour.

In a post on X on Thursday, Wright reiterated a major theme of Trump’s address in Saudi Arabia: that a new generation of leaders in the region is transcending ancient conflicts and divisions to forge a peaceful and prosperous future.

“President Trump is absolutely right – the future of the Middle East is commerce not chaos,” Wright wrote.

“I’m honored to join @POTUS on this trip to ensure that American energy remains the backbone of global stability and strength for years to come.”

AI development likely to be a focus for Trump in UAE final leg of Gulf tour

The UAE holds ambitions to become a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI), and it’s hoping the US will help the wealthy Gulf nation transform itself into a semiconductor powerhouse by giving it access to cutting-edge chips currently subject to export restrictions.

Former US President Joe Biden had imposed strict restrictions on exporting AI chips to the Middle East and other regions, fearing they could be diverted to China.

But on Wednesday, the Reuters news agency reported that the Trump administration had made a preliminary agreement with the UAE to allow it to import 500,000 of Nvidia’s most advanced AI chips a year, starting this year.

The UAE hopes the deal will boost the construction of in-country data centres capable of developing artificial intelligence models.

During a visit to Washington in March, the UAE’s National Security Adviser Tahnoun bin Zayed said the country has proposed $1.4 trillion in US investments over the next 10 years, focusing on AI and semiconductor infrastructure, the energy sector and manufacturing.

Publishing executive warns Trump not to neglect Israel ties after ‘snub’

Steve Forbes, the American publishing executive behind the business magazine Forbes, has urged Trump not to neglect relations with Israel after “ignoring” the country on his Middle East tour.

“Conspicuously missing on this jaunt is our key Mideast ally, Israel. Why the seeming snub? After all, Donald Trump has been a staunch friend of the Jewish state,” Forbes said in a video message posted on social media.

The comments come after a number of recent moves by the Trump administration raised concerns in Israel, including negotiating the release of a US-Israeli captive of Hamas without the Israelis’ involvement.

Donald Trump’s Israel snub marks end of an era

President Trump isn’t visiting Israel during his Middle East tour because he knows Netanyahu is bluffing and has nothing to offer him, says Israeli political analyst Akiva Eldar.

Eldar believes Trump’s snub marks the end of an era in US-Israel relations.

Qatar Airways hails ‘historic’ Boeing deal

Qatar Airways has hailed its agreement with Boeing to acquire up to 210 787 Dreamliner and 777X aircraft at a cost of $96bn as “historic”.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Badr Mohammed al-Meer said the deal was a “critical next step” for the airline as it invests in the “cleanest, youngest and most efficient fleet in global aviation”.

“After two consecutive years of record-breaking commercial performance and with this historic Boeing aircraft order – we’re not simply chasing scale; we’re building strength that will allow us to continue to deliver our unmatched products and customer experiences,” he said in a statement posted on the airline’s website.

Trump says he doesn’t want Iran nuclear talks to take ‘violent course’

Speaking at a state dinner in the Qatari capital Doha on Wednesday, Trump pushed for Iran to accept a deal curbing its nuclear programme, saying he doesn’t want talks to take a “violent course”.

“Two courses, there’s only two courses. There aren’t three or four or five, there’s two. There’s a friendly and a non-friendly, and non-friendly is a violent course, and I don’t want that. I’ll say it up front. I don’t want that, but they have to get moving,” Trump said.

The US and Iran have been engaged in nuclear talks mediated by Oman for several weeks and concluded a fourth round of discussions on Sunday in Muscat.

More Republicans raise concerns about Qatar jet plan

More Republicans are adding their voices to the chorus of concern about Trump’s plans to accept a Boeing 747 from Qatar to temporarily use as Air Force One.

“I think there are national security concerns, I think there are financial concerns about breaking this thing down to the studs and building it back up, and then it’s not hard to imagine why some people have some ethical concerns as well,” Dustin Johnson, a Republican who represents South Dakota in the US House of Representatives, said in an interview with NBC News’ Meet the Press on Wednesday.

Johnson’s comments follow similar expressions of concern by a number of top Republicans, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Texas Senator Ted Cruz.

Trump’s visit to Qatar strengthens ties with multibillion-dollar deals

On the second day of his Middle East tour, Trump visited Qatar, where he signed a series of multibillion-dollar deals with the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

Trump’s lifting of Syria sanctions surprised his own officials: Report

We have been reporting on President Trump’s surprise announcement on Wednesday that Washington would be lifting all US sanctions imposed on Syria.

Senior State Department and Treasury Department officials are now reportedly scrambling to understand how to cancel the sanctions, many of which have been in place for decades, the Reuters news agency reports, citing four unnamed US officials.

The White House issued no memorandum or directive to sanctions officials warning them to prepare for the move, according to one of the senior officials. They were also confused about how exactly the administration would unwind layers of sanctions, which ones were being eased, and when the White House wanted to begin the process.

“Everyone is trying to figure out how to implement it,” one US official said.

In Syria’s case, layers of decades-old measures cutting the country off from the international banking system make the task of lifting sanctions particularly challenging.

Syrian leader lauds Trump’s lifting of US sanctions in television address

Speaking in a television address on Wednesday evening, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa welcomed US President Donald Trump’s “courageous” lifting of sanctions on his country.

Al-Sharaa said Trump’s decision to drop sanctions against Syria “was a historic and courageous decision, which alleviates the suffering of the people, contributes to their rebirth and lays the foundations for stability in the region”.

Trump met al-Sharaa in the Saudi capital Riyadh earlier on Wednesday, becoming the first US president to meet a Syrian leader in a quarter of a century.

The Syrian president also thanked Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who organised the meeting, as well as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan – a key supporter of the new Damascus government – for his role in the meeting with Trump.

“Syrians, the road before us is still long. Today, we begin the real work, with which modern Syria will be reborn,” Sharaa added.

Tehran official says Iran willing to deal with US on nuclear programme: Report

An Iranian official has told the US broadcaster NBC News that Iran is willing to agree to a deal with the US in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions.

The news comes as US President Donald Trump said in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday that he wanted to do a deal with Iran.

Ali Shamkhani, an adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, told NBC that, in exchange for the immediate lifting of all economic sanctions, Iran would commit to never making nuclear weapons, and getting rid of its stockpiles of highly-enriched uranium.

He said Tehran could agree to only enrich uranium to the lower levels needed for civilian use, and it would allow international inspectors to supervise if an agreement was reached, NBC reported on Wednesday night.

“It’s still possible. If the Americans act as they say, for sure we can have better relations,” Shamkhani told NBC, adding that “it can lead to a better situation in the near future”.

Trump lifts sanctions after rare meeting with Syrian president

In a surprise diplomatic move, President Trump met Syria’s new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, in the Saudi capital Riyadh on Wednesday, in what was the first meeting between US and Syrian leaders in almost 25 years.

A day earlier, Trump stunned the international community by announcing the lifting of US sanctions on Syria, prompting celebrations across the country.

US senator says Trump accepting plane would be like ‘moving into the Qatari embassy’

We have been reporting on President Trump’s plan to accept a private jet from Qatar for temporary use as Air Force One.

The proposal has caused concern among Democrats and Republicans alike, including Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Republican Wicker said the aircraft would have to be checked for surveillance equipment and receive security upgrades, in what experts have said would be a lengthy process costing hundreds of millions of dollars.

“It would be like the United States moving into the Qatari embassy,” Wicker told US news outlet Politico.

“I’m not sure how quickly the Qatari aircraft can be retooled,” he added.

‘Another burst of business deals’ as Trump visits Qatar

It was another burst of business deals for US President Donald Trump on the second leg of this tour of the Middle East. This time in the State of Qatar.

After a meeting with the emir of Qatar, the two emerged to announce they had made a landmark deal. The partnership between the two to the tune of $1.2 trillion in business they hope to generate.

There was also the announcement that the State of Qatar and Qatar Airways would be purchasing between 160 to 210 Boeing aircraft, and that they would be produced over the next seven years.

Additionally, another US company, General Electric, or GE, will be producing engines for those aircraft.

Peace talks, Boeing jets headline Trump state visit to Qatar

Qatari military jets escorted US President Donald Trump’s plane as he arrived in Doha on Wednesday, the second stop on his three-country tour of the Middle East.

Qatar hosts the largest US airbase in the region, and the country has become a key mediator in conflicts around the world. That mediation role appears to have been a major focus of talks between the US president and Qatar’s emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

Putin, Trump are set to skip Ukraine peace talks in Istanbul

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday proposed talks with Ukraine, which are set to take place in the Turkish capital on Thursday, “without any preconditions”.

But the Reuters news agency now reports that he and President Trump are set to skip the meeting, which will be the first direct peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv in three years.

Late on Wednesday, the Kremlin announced its delegation would instead include a group of experienced technocrats, including presidential adviser Vladimir Medinsky and Deputy Defence Minister Alexander Fomin.

Trump, who is currently touring the Middle East, had been considering making the trip to Istanbul. But after the Kremlin’s announcement, a White House official said the US president would not attend, according to Reuters.

A Ukrainian official said Volodymyr Zelenskyy was on his way to Turkiye. Earlier, Zelenskyy had said he would only take part if Putin was there.

The absence of the Russian and US leaders has lowered expectations around a major breakthrough taking place to end Russia’s war in Ukraine, which it launched in February 2022.

A recap of recent developments

• US President Donald Trump sat down with Syrian President al-Sharaa in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, in the first meeting between leaders from both countries in nearly a quarter century.
• Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman joined al-Sharaa and Trump for the highly anticipated talks, while Turkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan joined by phone.
• In the lead-up to Wednesday’s meeting, Trump announced he would lift sanctions against Syria, a development that al-Sharaa’s government praised as an economic boon and a step towards stability.
• Trump landed in Qatar later on Wednesday, marking the first time a US president has made an official state visit to the Gulf country.
• Following the meeting, the White House announced the US and Qatar had inked deals that would generate an economic exchange worth $1.2 trillion, including one transaction which would see Qatar Airways buy 210 aircraft from the US firm Boeing.
• The US president is set to travel on to the UAE on Thursday, the last country on his Gulf state tour, before returning to the US on Friday.

Welcome to our live coverage

Hello, and thank you for joining our live coverage of US President Donald Trump’s visit to the Middle East.

Stay with our live team as we bring you all the latest developments, analyses and reactions throughout the day.

You can read about the key events from Wednesday, May 14, here.

Saudi Aramco says deals with US companies worth up to $90bn

The announcement comes hours after Trump departed Riyadh, the first stop on his Middle East trip.

The state-owned oil company said it has signed a total of 34 preliminary agreements with major US companies.

The deals span liquid natural gas, fuels, chemicals, emission-reduction technologies and artificial intelligence, it said.

During his visit to Saudi Arabia, Riyadh pledged $600bn in US investments, and $142bn in arms agreements.

White House says US-Qatar deal will generate $1.2 trillion in ‘economic exchange’

In a statement, the White House has said the agreements signed today between Trump and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani will “generate an economic exchange worth at least $1.2 trillion”.

The statement pointed to $243.5 in economic deals, which includes Qatar Airways buying Boeing planes, weapons acquisitions, and deals related to natural gas and quantum technologies.

It also said the US and Qatar had signed a statement of intent outlining over $38bn in potential investments including support for burden-sharing at Al Udeid Air Base, as well as future defense capabilities related to air defense and maritime security.

The remainder of the figure cited by the Trump administration was less clear, with the White House pointing to several pre-existing agreements between the two countries.

White House releases details on Qatar agreements

The White House has released more information on the agreements reached today with Qatar.

Here are some of the top takeaways:

• Qatar Airways reached an agreement with Boeing and GE Aerospace to  acquire up to 210 American-made Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 777X aircraft powered by GE Aerospace engines. The deal is valued at $96bn.
• Qatar will acquire “counter-drone” capabilities from US defence company Raytheon, valued at $1bn.
• Qatar will acquire MQ-9B drones from General Atomics, a deal valued at $2bn.

If you’re just joining us

Here’s the latest:

• Qatar’s emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, says Doha and Washington are going to another level of relations as US President Donald Trump visits the Gulf country.
• The two countries have signed a range of agreements, including several defence deals and an agreement for Qatar Airways to buy Boeing aircraft.
• US, Turkish and Syrian officials announce they will meet on Thursday to discuss details of Trump’s planned sanctions relief for Syria.
• Trump says US-Gulf ties benefit Israel despite the perception that the close US ally has been sidelined during Trump’s Middle East visit.

Qatar Central Bank governor meets Musk

Qatar’s central bank governor, Sheikh Bandar bin Mohammed bin Saoud Al Thani, has met billionaire Elon Musk on the sidelines of Trump’s visit.

The pair discussed developments in global finance and investment, the bank said in a post on X.

Trump tapped Musk to lead the Department of Government Efficiency advisory panel at the start of his second term.

The panel has since led a controversial overhaul of the US federal government. Musk began to step back from the role in late April.

Trump denies knowledge of $2bn crypto deal connected to family

The Trump family’s crypto ties and regional investments have loomed large during the trip, with critics saying they raise conflict of interest concerns.

Earlier today, Trump was asked about a deal between a Trump-family-founded company, World Liberty Financial, and a state-backed investment company in Abu Dhabi.

The deal would see the Abu Dhabi firm use a type of World Liberty Financial’s cryptocurrency, known as “stablecoin”, to back a $2bn investment in Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange. Critics say the Trump family interests would directly profit.

When asked about the deal, Trump replied, “I don’t know anything about it.”

Which Boeing aircraft will be part of the deal?

That’s not clear yet.

Based on the most recent published value for Boeing’s most expensive jet, the 777X, a deal for 160 of the long-range aircraft would be worth about $70bn, but aviation analysts said airlines typically get large discounts for bulk deals.

As we’ve been reporting, Trump said the agreement with Qatar is for 160 jets and is worth more than $200bn.

The US president said Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg – who signed the deal with Qatar Airways CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer next to Trump and the Qatari emir – told him: “It’s the largest order of jets in the history of Boeing.”

Qatar considered a major non-NATO ally of the US

Former US President Joe Biden formally issued the designation to Qatar in 2022 in a move that upgraded the partnership between Doha and Washington.

As a major non-NATO ally, Qatar enjoys special economic and military privileges in its relationship with the US.

The US State Department says on its website that the designation “is a powerful symbol of the close relationship the United States shares with those countries and demonstrates our deep respect for the friendship for the countries to which it is extended”.

Qatar became the third country in the Gulf region after Kuwait and Bahrain to become a major US non-NATO ally.

In 2024, Qatar also became the first Gulf country admitted into the US visa waiver programme. The move allows Qatari citizens to travel visa-free to the country for up to 90 days.

Boeing deal a ‘win-win’ for Qatar, US

Faisal Al-Mudahka, editor-in-chief of the Gulf Times, says Qatar Airways’ purchase of more than 160 Boeing aircraft – a deal Trump has hailed as the company’s largest ever – is a “win-win”.

As one of the world’s top airlines with a growing market, Qatar Airways has more demand than supply at the moment and will need the fleet, he says.

“I think Donald Trump and Qatar know how to package things to make political gains and economic gains.”

Photos: US and Qatar sign agreements in Doha

US envoy says ‘making progress’ on Gaza

We saw the very important deals that were signed. [Trump and the Qatari emir] talked for a long time and they said they talked a long time about the issues of the world, and they didn’t really tell us a great deal of what was discussed behind closed doors.

But as they were leaving, the emir and the president, myself and a couple of other journalists spotted Steve Witkoff, who is the US presidential envoy dealing with the conflict in Ukraine and the war on Gaza.

So I ran up to him and asked him about both situations, and I think his tone was pretty telling – he was very positive on both files. With regard to the war on Gaza, he said I think we’re making progress.

I said, progress on what – on getting aid in, or on an actual ceasefire? And he said we’re making progress on all fronts.

What agreements were signed between the US and Qatar?

We’ve been reporting on a series of bilateral agreements signed during Trump’s visit.

They include:

• An agreement for Qatar Airways’ purchase of Boeing aircraft. Trump said the agreement is for more than 160 jets worth over $200bn.
• A range of defence agreements, including a letter of intent on defence cooperation and a letter of offer and acceptance for MQ-9B unmanned aerial vehicles.
• A joint declaration of cooperation between the two states.

US and Qatari leaders enjoy ‘very positive, strong relationship’

We have more analysis from Omar Rahman, the Middle East Council on Global Affairs fellow, after the signing ceremony.

On ties between US-Qatari leaders: “They have a very positive, strong relationship. You don’t hear people talk in those types of terms, the way Trump talks about the leaders in this region. So I think they do have a very good relationship.”

On the lack of mention of Gaza: “The fact that Gaza wasn’t mentioned leads me to believe that the discussion is ongoing. And we have to understand that this one is more difficult than say Syrian sanctions. When it comes to Syrian sanctions, that’s Trump making a decision that Trump can make on his own. When it comes to Iran, even, this is something that Trump is going to decide along with his counterpart, the Iranians. When it comes to Gaza, you have the Israelis there as well. On the issue of a ceasefire, Trump can put pressure on the Israelis … but you still have the Israelis there making decisions. This is going to be a little bit more difficult to work out.”

‘No news is good news’: Gaza not mentioned in brief remarks

Faisal al-Mudahka, editor-in-chief of The Gulf Times, says the fact that Gaza was not brought up during the signing ceremony is not cause for concern.

“It is an agreed upon joint statement and that’s the protocol,” he told Al Jazeera, adding that the issue of Gaza is likely with the two countries’ respective mediators.

“I think no news is good news,” al-Mudahka said.

Emir says Qatar, US taking relations to ‘another level’

Trump and the Qatari emir have delivered more remarks after the signing ceremony.

The emir said the two leaders had a “great” few hours of discussion covering a range of issues. “I think after signing these documents, we are going to another level of relations,” he said.

Trump also thanked the Qatari emir and said it had been a “very interesting couple of hours” discussing topics including the Russia-Ukraine war, Iran and trade relations.

He hailed what he described as a record sale reached for US aircraft company Boeing.

“We’ve been friends for a long time and this is an outstanding man,” Trump said about the emir.

• Donald Trump has announced a series of deals with Qatar on the second leg of his four-day Middle East tour
• Before flying to Doha, Trump met the Syrian president in Riyadh – urging Ahmed al-Sharaa to normalise relations with Israel
• The meeting came after Trump lifted sanctions on Syria, saying it would “give them a chance at greatness”
• Trump later praised the Syrian leader, calling him an “attractive guy, tough guy”
• He also said it’s possible he’ll join peace talks in Turkey with Ukraine and Russia tomorrow, which Presidents Zelensky and Putin may attend

US and Qatar sign raft of deals

As we’ve been reporting, US President Donald Trump and the Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamin bin Hamad al-Thani have signed a raft of deals following their meeting in Doha.

Here’s a look at what was signed:

• Trump says Qatar Airways has placed a “record” order for 160 planes from Boeing worth more than $200 billion

• A letter of offer and acceptance for MQ-9B drones was also among the deals today
• They agreed on a statement of intent on defence cooperation between the US and Qatar
• A joint declaration on cooperation between the two countries was also signed

Ceremony ends

And just like that, the short ceremony in which the two leaders signed multiple agreements is over.

Trump thanks the media and his host once again before the ceremony concludes and he and the Emir are escorted out of the room.

‘We just like each other’ – Trump on Qatar leader

Trump says Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamin bin Hamad al-Thani is an outstanding man, adding the US is in a strong position militarily.

He says tomorrow there will be “sort of an air fair” that will show the “latest” planes.

He goes on to thank the emir for the friendship. “We just like each other,” he adds.

Trump says Qatar agrees to ‘largest order of jets’ in Boeing’s history

Trump is now speaking and he thanks Qatar for being so helpful.

He says the pair discussed the world, the war in Ukraine, and Iran – which he describes as an “interesting situation”.

“I have a feeling it’s going to work out,” he says.

He then moves to the topic of trade, and the Boeing agreement in particular, which he says is the “largest order of jets” in the history of the company.

Emir of Qatar says meeting between the leaders was ‘great’

Trump and the Qatari Emir have just signed a joint declaration of cooperation between Qatar and US.

At the start of a joint statement, the Emir describes their meeting as “great” and says they discussed many issues, including the situation in the region.

He says he believes they are “going to another level of a relationship between Qatar and the US”.

Leaders continue with signing agreements

After a brief applause following the initial signing, the pair move on to oversee the signing of letter of intent on defence, with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth signing the document.

Trump then exchanges a few words with him.

Trump and Emir witness signing of aircraft agreement

US President Donald Trump and Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani are now sitting down to oversee an agreement on the purchase of Boeing planes.

This follows a meeting between the pair that went on for over an hour.

We’re expecting statements from the leaders shortly.

American businessman ‘elated’ about US lifting of sanctions on Syria

Whilst we wait for President Trump to give a statement following his meeting with the Emir of Qatar, we can bring you some comments from US businessman Jonathan Bass, who says he is “elated” about the US lifting of sanction on Syria.

Bass, chief executive of energy company Argent, headed up a US delegation that went to Damascus at the start of May and met Syria’s new president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, for several hours.

Speaking to the BBC World Service’s Newshour programme, Bass says people in Syria “have been living in the darkness, it’s worse than Communism what they’ve experienced”.

“When you look at the people on the street, their eyes are with despair, they shake, they can’t focus on looking at you in the eyes because they’re afraid of being locked up, thrown away and killed.”

Bass says there is a “huge opportunity” for the world to “reset the region”, adding that al-Sharaa has an opportunity to become “the leader of a regional power”.

“If he chooses the right path forward, he brings the country out of darkness and despair, and into honey and sugar.”

Officials gather ahead of US-Qatar statement

We’re still waiting for Trump and the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, to appear after their meeting.

They’re expected to make statements and US and Qatari officials have started to gather in the room.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt are among those attending.

Regional peace, World Cup and ‘perfecto marble’ – Trump and Emir’s first remarks

A transcript of the first exchange between Trump and the Emir of Qatar is starting to trickle in.

As they sat down in a luxurious, incense-scented ceremonial room in front of reporters, during a lavish reception at the Old Amiri Palace, the Emir told Trump: “I know that you are a man of peace.”

He also mentioned Qatar hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup, telling Trump “there wasn’t one incident there”.

“You did a great job,” Trump responded.

Trump said he and the Emir already liked and worked with each other, adding “now we can work in the highest capacity”.

He added: “We’ll bring peace, not only here, but I know you’re very much involved in helping us in other regions like what’s happening with Russia-Ukraine.”

The US president then paused and looked around, marvelling at the architecture of the luxurious palace.

“The job you’ve done is second to none. You look at this, it’s so beautiful. As a construction person, I’m seeing perfect marble. This is what they call perfecto.”

Lavish reception for Trump in Qatar

Trump is now holding a meeting with the Qatari Emir, Sheikh Tamin bin Hamad al-Thani, at the luxurious Old Amiri Palace.

As expected, it’s another lavish reception for the US president in the oil-rich Gulf state.

• Donald Trump is holding talks in Qatar on the second leg of his four-day Middle East tour
• Before flying to Doha, Trump met the Syrian president in Riyadh – urging Ahmed al-Sharaa to normalise relations with Israel
• The meeting came after Trump lifted sanctions on Syria, saying it would “give them a chance at greatness”
• In Riyadh, Trump also addressed a Gulf leaders’ summit – repeating that he wants to strike a deal with Iran, but they must stop “sponsoring terror”

Lavish reception for Trump in Qatar

Trump is now holding a meeting with the Qatari Emir, Sheikh Tamin bin Hamad al-Thani, at the luxurious Lusail Palace.

As expected, it’s another lavish reception for the US president in the oil-rich Gulf state.

What are the Trump family’s business interests in the Middle East?

During his trip, Trump is hoping to drum up investment for the US.

His visit follows a series of business deals announced by the Trump Organization, which is run by the president’s sons, Eric and Donald Jr.

These include plans to build golf courses and luxury villas in Qatar and the UAE.

A deal was announced by the Trump Organization at the beginning of May to develop a Trump-branded luxury 18-hole golf course and a collection of luxury villas north of Qatar’s capital, Doha.

And in April the company said it was going to build “the region’s first Trump International Hotel & Tower” in the “heart of Dubai” consisting of 80 floors of “luxury living and world-class hospitality”.

President Trump is not currently affiliated with the Trump Organization, having handed over management responsibilities to his children after entering the White House on 20 January.

Ruffles crisps and a red carpet welcome: Trump’s flight to Doha

In the past hour Donald Trump, has arrived in Qatar for the latest stage of his Middle East tour.

Footage from the flight from Riyadh showed the president looking intently out the window, with some Ruffles crisps, red and green grapes, low calorie pretzels and individually wrapped sweets in front of him.

Air Force One was escorted by fighter jets, before landing to a red carpet welcome – including a personal greeting from the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani.

Attractive guy, tough guy’: Trump praises Syrian president

More comments now from Donald Trump while he was flying to Doha, as he reflected on his meeting with Syrian president, Ahmed al-Sharaa.

He said the brief meeting in Saudi Arabia this morning went “great”, saying the Syrian is a “young, attractive guy. Tough guy. Strong past. Very strong past. Fighter.”

Trump added: “He’s got a real shot at holding it together. I spoke with President Erdogan, who is very friendly with him. He feels she’s got a shot of doing a good job. It’s a torn–up country.”

The US president said he thought Syria would join the Abraham Accords at some point, to normalise relations with Israel.

“I think they have to get themselves straightened up. I told him, ‘I hope you’re going to join when it’s straightened out.’

“He said, ‘Yes.’ But they have a lot of work to do.”

Plane row expected to resurface now Trump is in Qatar

President Trump is now in Doha, on the second stop of his Middle East trip. During the first, in Saudi Arabia, he signed a massive arms deal to sell weapons to the kingdom, plus billions of dollars’ worth of commercial contracts.

He also announced he would lift economic sanctions on Syria, and he briefly met the new Syrian president for the first time this morning.

More business deals are on the cards here in Qatar and he will attend a glittering state dinner later. But overshadowing this visit is the controversy over the gift of a luxury plane from Qatar.

The plane he’s using to fly around the Gulf, Air Force One, is old and due to be replaced. Trump wants to refit the lavish interior of this new 747 and use it for presidential travel, saying he would be stupid to turn down a free aircraft.

But he’s getting condemned from all sides – with critics saying we just don’t know what the Qataris may want in return.

Trump is clearly enjoying his time in the Middle East, being feted by royalty as he visits some of the wealthiest nations on Earth, and striking lucrative deals as he goes. He argues it’s these kind of commercial contacts that will help the Middle East overcome a history of violent conflict

Trump met by Qatari leader after stepping off plane

On a freshly rolled out red carpet, Trump is now shaking hands with Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani after stepping off Air Force One.

He’s only the second US president to visit the country this century – and the first since President George W Bush in 2003.

A ‘possibility’ that Trump may travel to Turkey for Ukraine-Russia peace talks

While travelling from Riyadh to Doha, Donald Trump told reporters he is willing to head to Turkey for talks on Ukraine if his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin also travels there.

The US president said he does not know if Putin would attend “if I’m not there”.

“I know he would like me to be there, and that’s a possibility. If we could end the war, I’d be thinking about that,” Trump added.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to attend the Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Turkey tomorrow, a US official has previously said.

Air Force One arrives in Qatar

The plane carrying Donald Trump has just touched down at Hamad International Airport in Doha, the capital of Qatar.

Donald Trump is moments away from setting foot in the second country of his Middle East tour.

Trump’s visit to Qatar – what to expect

President Trump will shortly be arriving in Qatar’s capital Doha – the next stop of his four-day Middle East visit.

In the Gulf state, where Washington has its largest military base in the region, Trump will have a series of meetings with top Qatari officials, including Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.

Military co-operation and regional security are expected to top the agenda.

Qatar has been a key mediator between Israel and Hamas, and Gaza ceasefire efforts could also feature prominently during Trump’s visit.

Palestinian groups call for ‘diplomatic humanitarian convoy’ to Gaza

Palestinian civil society groups are calling for the international community to support the immediate deployment of a convoy through Gaza’s Rafah crossing to stop the “manufactured famine” gripping the Palestinian enclave.

“We urge states to join the humanitarian convoy by dispatching official diplomatic missions – at the highest possible level – to accompany the aid trucks already waiting at the Rafah Crossing, and to enter Gaza alongside them,” the groups said in a statement.

“This is an act of legal obligation, moral courage, and human solidarity.”

Nearly 250 Palestinian and international rights groups signed onto the call to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza.

“This is a human imperative. A Diplomatic Humanitarian Convoy would mark a historic step to break the siege, end the starvation, and affirm the world’s rejection of hunger as a weapon of war.”

Israel says it will hold off intensified attacks on Gaza

Israel will carry on with its plan to ramp up the war on Gaza but it won’t launch it until after Trump’s visit to the Middle East, to allow for a potential new ceasefire deal to emerge, according to Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office.

Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon also confirmed to reporters Israel will hold off the start of the expanded military action in Gaza for a few days.

“Israel is preparing a major operation in Gaza, we are not hiding it. We have called up the reserves and we have the troops ready. And if there will be no development in the negotiations, we will apply pressure, military pressure, in order to make sure that we bring back the hostages and then eliminate Hamas,” Danon said.

“It can be avoided … if the framework that Ambassador Witkoff proposed will be accepted.”

Many Israelis hope Trump can free more captives from Gaza

The US-Hamas negotiation to release an Israeli soldier is being viewed in Israel by some as an “embarrassment or maybe humiliation”, a political analyst says.

“The Israeli government did not have the feeling of enough responsibility to bring him [Israeli soldier Edan Alexander] back home,” Tel Aviv-based commentator Akiva Eldar told Al Jazeera.

Parents of young Israeli reservists being deployed to Gaza are now questioning what will happen to their children if captured, he added.

“We have the most nationalistic, patriotic government and we see they are taking orders from a foreign government. The United States has a lot of influence on Israel, but the bottom line is President Trump made a decision for us, and he made a deal with Hamas,” noted Eldar.

Many Israelis hope Trump will make the effort to free other captives because “we know this government is really willing to pay the price – and we know what that price is”.

“We know Alexander and many other captives could have been back in Israel months ago,” he added.

Rights advocates to file complaint accusing US of ‘genocide complicity’

Palestinian rights advocates in the US are planning to file a complaint this week with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) accusing the US government of “complicity in genocide in Gaza”.

Palestinian American lawyer Huwaida Arraf said the complaint is being filed “because the US government has effectively shielded itself from accountability for its international crimes under its own legal system, even for crimes against humanity and genocide”.

The US provides Israel with at least $3.8bn in military assistance annually. Washington has provided billions more since the war on Gaza began in October 2023 and vetoed UN resolutions seeking to get Israel to end its offensive.

“While the United States actively enables and materially supports Israel’s atrocities, it has constructed legal shields at home that deny victims even the chance to seek redress,” Arraf said in a statement.

“The United States cannot continue to finance, arm, and politically cover for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide abroad while remaining immune from international scrutiny. This petition is a call for accountability where none has yet been possible.”

The complaint is to be filed on Wednesday at the IACHR headquarters in Washington, DC.

Israeli army says Edan Alexander on way to hospital

The released US-Israeli captive is accompanied by his family on his way to an Israeli hospital, the military says.

“He will meet with the rest of his family and receive medical treatment,” it said in a statement.

Separately, the White House shared a photo on X appearing to show Alexander holding a handwritten sign that reads, “Thank you President Trump”.

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Watch this short film on how Palestinians in Ramallah live through a month of grief, defiance, and hope under Israeli occupation.

Netanyahu’s ‘indecisiveness’ led to US-Hamas direct talks

Relatives of other captives held in Gaza have expressed frustration after the release of Edan Alexander by Hamas.

Families of abductees without foreign citizenship accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government of indifference.

“Hamas saw that [US] President Trump had enough of Netanyahu’s indecisiveness and threw him a bone, leaving Israel out,” said Shimon Or, whose nephew remains held in Gaza, told the YNet news outlet.

Israel stressed that it remains under no obligation to agree to a ceasefire or prisoner exchange. And despite the release, Israel signalled its intention to escalate military action in Gaza.

‘Despite the calm, we are cautious’: Gaza resident

The release of Alexander has led to a pause in Israeli attacks on Gaza, which has provided a much-needed respite for residents of the war-battered territory.

Somaya Abu al-Kas, 34, who has been displaced to the southern city of Khan Younis, said: “Calm settled over Gaza. There was no shelling and no nearby aircraft, which is very rare.”

“We are tired of the shelling, and any ceasefire – even if temporary – we consider it an opportunity to breathe and gather ourselves.”

But Um Mohammed Zomlot, 50, also displaced in Khan Younis, said: “Despite the calm, we are cautious.”

“Everyone is afraid the shelling might resume suddenly after the prisoner is released,” Zomlot said.

If you’re just joining us

Let’s bring you up to speed on the latest developments:

• US-Israeli captive Edan Alexander has been released from Gaza and returned to Israel as part of a deal reached between Hamas and US President Donald Trump’s administration.
• The Palestinian group says it agreed to release the 21-year-old “as part of the efforts being made by mediators to achieve a ceasefire” in Gaza.
• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he’ll send mediators to Qatar on Tuesday to discuss the release of other captives.
• Top American and Israeli leaders have welcomed Alexander’s release with the US ambassador to Israel saying Washington hopes it signals “the beginning of the end” to the war.
• The World Health Organization chief calls for an end to Israel’s blockade of Gaza as Palestinians suffer from acute malnutrition and a lack of humanitarian supplies.

Netanyahu credits army and US ‘political pressure’ for soldier’s release

The Israeli prime minister calls the release of the US-Israeli captive a “very emotional moment”.

“Edan Alexander has come home. We embrace him, and we embrace his family,” Netanyahu said in a video statement.

“This was achieved thanks to our military pressure and the political pressure exerted by President Trump. This is a winning combination.”

Netanyahu also said he spoke with Trump, who repeated his commitment to defeating Hamas and freeing the remaining Israeli captives held in Gaza.

Captives forum says Alexander’s return is ‘beacon of hope’

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum has welcomed the release of the US-Israeli captive “after 584 agonizing days of captivity”, according to a statement.

“Edan’s release is a beacon of light and hope, and it is also a reminder that 58 hostages are still being held captive in Gaza,” it said.

“No hostage can be left behind. Unless all of them return, there will be no Israeli victory.”

Negotiators have been trying to find a way forward after the first phase of the temporary truce ended on 1 March.

The US proposed to extend the first phase until mid-April, including a further exchange of hostages held by Hamas and Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

But the unnamed Palestinian official said Israel and Hamas disagreed over key aspects of the deal set out by US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff at the indirect talks.

Israel is yet to comment, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said he would receive a report from Israel’s negotiating team later on Saturday.

The White House accused Hamas of making “entirely impractical” demands in its response to Witkoff’s proposal.

It would extend the ceasefire into April but delay the negotiation of a permanent end to the war.

A statement from Witkoff’s office and the US National Security Council on Friday said: “Hamas is making a very bad bet that time is on its side. It is not.”

“Hamas is well aware of the deadline, and should know that we will respond accordingly if that deadline passes.”

A Hamas statement seen by the BBC said negotiations had broken down.

Netanyahu’s office had earlier said Israel accepted the US proposal.

It said Hamas remained “firm in its refusal and has not budged a millimetre,” accusing the group of “manipulation and psychological warfare”.

Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire deal involving three stages in January, after 15 months of war.

In the first stage, Hamas returned 25 living Israeli hostages, the remains of eight others, and five living Thai hostages. Israel released about 1,800 Palestinian prisoners in exchange.

The deal says stage two will include the remaining living hostages in Gaza exchanged for more Palestinian prisoners.

But both sides currently disagree on the number of hostages due to be released next.

They also disagree on the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, which the original deal states should be happening by now.

Israel resists this point, while Hamas insists it should happen.

Israel has halted all aid and electricity to Gaza, including food and fuel, saying it aims to put pressure on Hamas.

It is believed that Hamas is still holding up to 24 living hostages in Gaza and the remains of 35 others.

As indirect talks continued on Friday, the group said in a statement it was ready to release the last living Israeli-American hostage it is known to be holding.

Edan Alexander, 21 was serving as an Israeli soldier close to Gaza when he was taken.

Under the terms of the original ceasefire agreement, it was expected that he would have been among the last hostages to be released.

The group also said it would hand over the remains of four other dual nationals captured during the 7 October 2023 attacks.

It did not give further details or make clear what it would demand in return.

Witkoff dismissed the offer, saying Hamas was trying to appear flexible in public while being impractical in private.

The attacks led by Hamas on 7 October 2023 killed more than 1,200 people in southern Israel, mostly civilians, with 251 taken hostage.

The assault triggered an Israeli military offensive that has since killed more than 48,520 people, most of them civilians, according to figures from the Hamas-run health ministry which are used by the UN and others.

Most of Gaza’s 2.1 million population has been displaced multiple times.

An estimated 70% of buildings have been damaged or destroyed, healthcare, water, and sanitation systems have collapsed and there are shortages of food, fuel, medicine and shelter.

This week, negotiators from both sides have begun meeting mediators for the first time since President Donald Trump took office on 20 January. The 42-day first phase of the Gaza deal and temporary truce came into effect on the eve of his inauguration.

That first phase ultimately saw Hamas return 25 living Israeli hostages and the remains of eight others – in exchange for about 1,800 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel – as well as five living Thai hostages. It ended on 1 March.

Israel now hopes the US can advance a plan for a two-month truce extension, which would start with the release of about half of the living hostages still held.

Hamas has so far rejected that, demanding immediate talks on the second phase in the original ceasefire agreement, which would end the war and lead to a full Israeli troop withdrawal.

However, it stated that it was approaching the ongoing discussions in Doha with “full responsibility and positivity”.

Since the start of this month, Israel has blocked all aid deliveries – including food and fuel – to Gaza, saying it aims to put pressure on Hamas.

Electricity has also been cut to the only desalination plant in the territory providing clean water, so that it is now running at a reduced capacity on generators using fuel reserves.

In response, the Houthi movement in Yemen said on Tuesday that it would restart attacks on Israeli ships passing through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, threatening to throw a key maritime route into chaos once again.

There is growing alarm at the potential impact of Israel blocking goods to Gaza, with some of its allies warning that this could violate international law.

The local UN Humanitarian Co-ordinator, Muhannad Hadi, has stated: “Any further delays [on aid entering] will further reverse any progress we have managed to achieve during the ceasefire.”

“We pray that these matters get resolved urgently,” a baker, Husam Rustom, told the BBC.

With the halt to supplies of flour and cooking gas, he said his bakery – which had been providing over 2,000 packs of bread a day – had been forced to close as well as several others in the southern city of Khan Younis.

“We are exhausted and tired of all this. It’s driving us mad,” said Zeinab al-Bayuk, a grandmother. She added that food prices had been rising rapidly.

Mariam Abu Mukhimer, a student, opposed an extension of the existing truce. “There needs to be a solution that ends the war,” she said. “It’s enough!”

The US has never confirmed it, but Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on 2 March that Witkoff had proposed a temporary extension of the ceasefire until after the Islamic holy month of Ramadan and the Jewish holiday of Passover.

According to this plan, which Netanyahu said Israel had accepted, half of the hostages would be released together at the outset, and the other half at the end.

The PM suggested Witkoff had “even defined his proposal as a corridor for negotiations on the second stage. Israel is ready for this.”

It is believed that Hamas is still holding up to 24 living hostages in Gaza and the remains of 35 others. An American-Israeli soldier, 21-year-old Edan Alexander, is among those said to be alive. There are also the bodies of four other American citizens.

Hamas has accused Israel of reneging on the original ceasefire deal.

Despite pressure from regional mediators – Qatar and Egypt – as well as the US, it is thought unlikely that the armed group will give up many of the hostages without a full end to fighting in Gaza. It sees them as its major bargaining chips in talks.

For the relatives and supporters of Israelis held captive, these are desperate times.

Since Saturday, some have been camping outside the defence ministry in Tel Aviv to demand an immediate Gaza ceasefire deal that would free everyone in captivity.

“How can I start processing our personal tragedy when the national trauma is not yet over?” said Ofri Bibas, the sister of Yarden Bibas, at the protest on Monday evening.

The recent exchanges with Hamas led to the release of her brother and the return of the bodies of her sister-in-law, Shiri, and two young nephews, Ariel and Kfir, who were killed in Gaza.

“I have 59 brothers and sisters who are in hell,” Ofri continued – referring to the total remaining number of hostages. “We received Yarden alive, but Shiri and the children could have been saved. By Passover, everyone must be home, and the only way to bring everyone back is to end the war. Now.”

A poll for Israel’s Channel 13 TV indicates that half of Israelis believe that the US president is more concerned about the fate of the hostages than Netanyahu.

Asked which of the two they thought was more concerned, 50% of respondents said Trump, 29% Netanyahu, and the rest were not sure.

Far-right allies of the prime minister have threatened to collapse his governing coalition if fighting does not resume in Gaza to achieve its war goal of crushing Hamas.

Up to now, both Israel and Hamas have largely refrained from returning to all-out hostilities in the Palestinian territory.

However, recently, Israel has carried out daily strikes. On Tuesday, four men were killed in Wadi Gaza, which is also known as the Netzarim Corridor – an area from which Israeli forces withdrew as part of the Gaza ceasefire terms.

The Israeli military said its air force had targeted “several terrorists engaged in suspicious activity posing a threat to [Israeli] troops”.

Speaking to the BBC in Gaza City, the father of one of those killed, Arafat Hana, said his son, Omar, had done nothing wrong.

He said he was with neighbours walking to a displaced people’s camp where they had previously stayed to retrieve belongings.

“They were innocent. They were just going to get mattresses and other things. They weren’t carrying rockets!” said Umm Tareq Obaid, who lived near the men.

The new threats from the Houthis have the potential to end a period of relative calm in the wider region which began with the Gaza ceasefire on 19 January.

Over 15 months from November 2023, they used missiles and drones to attack more than 100 merchant ships, saying they were acting in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Many vessels had no connection to Israel. Two sank, one was seized, and four sailors were killed.

The Houthis say they now want “to pressure the Israeli usurper entity to reopen the crossings to the Gaza Strip and allow the entry of aid, including food and medical supplies”.

However, there has been no immediate sign of ships being targeted.

The attacks led by Hamas on 7 October 2023 killed more than 1,200 people in southern Israel, mostly civilians, with 251 taken hostage. Most women and children held captive were released during a week-long truce in November 2023.

The unprecedented, deadly assault triggered a war in Gaza that has since killed more than 48,500 people, most of them civilians, according to figures from the Hamas-run health ministry which are used by the UN and others.

Mitchell Ring and Jennifer Colin, who were travelling to Venice for a dream holiday, told Australia’s Channel 9 a woman had died in the aisle beside them during the flight from Melbourne to Doha.

The couple say cabin crew placed her corpse, covered in blankets, next to Mr Ring for the remaining four hours of the flight without offering to move him, despite there being empty seats.

Qatar Airways said it apologised for “any inconvenience or distress this incident may have caused”, adding that it was in the process of contacting passengers.

The couple said they had not been contacted or offered support by Qatar Airways or Qantas, the airline through which they booked the flight.

They said there should be a protocol to ensure passengers onboard were looked after in such situations.

Mr Ring told Channel Nine’s Current Affair programme that staff had responded “in no time” when the woman collapsed, but that “unfortunately the lady couldn’t be saved, which was pretty heart-breaking to watch”.

He said the cabin crew had tried to move her body towards business class “but she was quite a large lady and they couldn’t get her through the aisle”.

Mr Ring said the crew had seen seats were available beside him.

“They said, ‘Can you move over please?’ and I just said, ‘Yes no problem’.

“Then they placed the lady in the chair I was in.”

While Ms Colin was able to move to an empty seat nearby, Mr Ring said he had not been given the option to do so by cabin crew – even though there were vacant seats.

When the plane landed four hours later, he said passengers were asked to stay put while medical staff and police came on board.

He said ambulance officers had then started pulling blankets off the woman and he had seen her face.

The couple said there needed to be a “duty of care” for customers and staff.

“We should be contacted to make sure, do you need some support, do you need some counselling?”

Ms Colin called the experience “traumatic” and said: “We totally understand that we can’t hold the airline responsible for the poor lady’s death, but there has to be a protocol to look after the customers on board.”

In a statement, Qatar Airways said: “First and foremost our thoughts are with the family of the passenger who sadly passed away on board our flight.

“We apologise for any inconvenience or distress this incident may have caused, and are in the process of contacting passengers in line with our policies and procedures.”

A Qantas spokesperson said: “The process for handling incidents onboard an aircraft like this is managed by the operating airline, which in this case is Qatar Airways.”

Barry Eustance, a former Virgin Atlantic captain, said deaths in the air “occur more frequently than people would think” but said as a far as he was aware there was no specific protocol in place for such situations.

“On a long haul flight it tends to depend largely on when it occurs and where it occurs and what the crew have in terms of facilities to place the body somewhere because on an aeroplane, there’s no access to the hold, there’s a crew rest area but that’s for the crew so it can be problematical.”

A toilet area or galley area could be blocked off, he said, but the crew are required to keep a certain number of toilets available.

Mr Eustance said that, while he was not being judgemental as he did not know the full situation, he was surprised that the crew did not move Mr Ring if there had been spare seats.

“I would expect the crew would do all they could to avoid that. You are creating potential future liabilities in terms of the trauma of the people next to whom the body was placed,” he said.

“In my experience the crew would normally try to isolate the body, so there is no passenger exposure to the body and vice versa, for respect and privacy but also for medical reasons. You have a dead body that is uncontained and all that goes with it.”

Following talks in Cairo, the Palestinian armed group said mediators from Egypt and Qatar had confirmed they would “remove obstacles”.

There was no response from Israel. But Egyptian and Qatari reports also said mediators had bridged the gaps between the two sides and both were committed to continue implementation.

On Tuesday, Israel said the ceasefire would end if Hamas did not return hostages by Saturday. Hamas had earlier said it was postponing releases over what it claimed were Israeli violations.

Hamas said these included a failure to allow in the agreed amounts of vital humanitarian aid, including tents and shelters, which Israel denied.

The group’s threat to derail the deal prompted US President Donald Trump to propose Israel cancel the agreement altogether and “let hell break out” unless “all of the hostages” were returned by Saturday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he welcomed Trump’s demand and warned: “If Hamas does not return our hostages by Saturday noon [10:00 GMT], the ceasefire will end and the [Israeli military] will resume intense fighting until the final defeat of Hamas.”

However, there were conflicting messages from Israeli officials about whether he was demanding the release of all 76 hostages still in Gaza – in line with Trump’s ultimatum – or just the three due to be freed this weekend.

On Wednesday, an Egyptian security source told the BBC that Egypt and Qatar were “intensifying their diplomatic efforts in an attempt to salvage the ceasefire agreement”, as Hamas’s leader for Gaza, Khalil al-Hayya, arrived in Cairo to hold talks with Egypt’s intelligence chief and other officials.

On Thursday, Hamas put out a statement saying they focused on the need for all terms of the deal to be fulfilled, particularly regarding deliveries of caravans, tents, heavy construction equipment, medical supplies and fuel.

It added that the talks were “positive” and that the mediators had agreed to work to “remove obstacles and close gaps”.

“Accordingly, Hamas reaffirms its commitment to implementing the agreement as signed, including the exchange of prisoners according to the specified timeline.”

At the same time, Egyptian state-run Al Qahera TV reported that Egypt and Qatar had successfully “overcome obstacles” and that Israel and Hamas were committed to fully implementing the ceasefire deal.

Qatar-based Al Jazeera TV also said the negotiations had been successful and that mobile homes and heavy machinery would be allowed into Gaza on Thursday.

However, Israeli media then cited the Israeli prime minister’s office as calling the Al Jazeera report “fake news” and saying there was “no basis” to it.

An Israeli government spokesman later clarified the denial, writing on X: “There is no entry of caravans or heavy equipment into the Gaza Strip, and there is no co-ordination for this.”

The first phase of the ceasefire deal is supposed to last six weeks and see a total of 33 Israeli hostages exchanged for about 1,900 Palestinian prisoners and detainees from Gaza.

So far, 16 living Israeli hostages have been freed since the ceasefire took effect on 19 January. Hamas has also handed over five Thai hostages outside the terms of the deal.

The 17 other Israeli hostages due to be released during the first phase are two children, one woman, five men over the age of 50, and nine men under 50. They are supposed to be handed over in the next three weeks. Both sides have said eight of these hostages are dead, but only one has been named.

Negotiations for the ceasefire’s second phase – which should see the 43 remaining hostages released, a full Israeli withdrawal and a permanent ceasefire – have not yet begun.

The deal has also seen Israeli forces withdraw from densely populated areas of Gaza, hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians return to their homes in the north, and hundreds of aid lorries allowed into the territory each day.

The Israeli military launched a campaign to destroy Hamas in response to an unprecedented cross-border attack on 7 October 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 were taken hostage.

More than 48,230 people have been killed in Gaza since then, according to the territory’s Hamas-run health ministry.

Most of Gaza’s population has also been displaced multiple times, almost 70% of buildings are estimated to be damaged or destroyed, the healthcare, water, sanitation and hygiene systems have collapsed, and there are shortages of food, fuel, medicine and shelter.