On September 30, US President Donald Trump disclosed that Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir provide “100 per cent” backing for his proposed solution to the ongoing Gaza conflict. Trump announced this support during a joint news conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House.
President Trump shared insights on his recently unveiled “Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict,” emphasizing significant contributions from multiple nations. He stated, “This afternoon after extensive consultation with our friends and partners throughout the region, I’m formally releasing our principles for peace, which people have really liked.” The announcement came as a part of his diplomatic efforts involving various world leaders.
Trump expressed gratitude to leaders from Arab and Muslim countries for participating in shaping the proposal. He mentioned significant dialogue with Saudi Arabia’s King, Qatar’s Emir, and officials from the UAE. The Pakistani leaders, according to Trump, played a crucial role in the discussions from the outset. He remarked, “The prime minister and the field marshal of Pakistan, they were with us right from the beginning, incredible.”
He elaborated on the statement from Sharif and Munir endorsing the plan. According to Trump, this statement affirmed their complete support for the outlined actions, indicating substantial cooperation from Pakistan in the peace initiative.
Trump’s peace plan seeks to transform Gaza into a deradicalised zone, eliminating threats to Israel and allowing gradual redevelopment. Important components of the proposal include an immediate cessation of military operations if both parties consent to the terms laid out in the plan.
The drafted framework specifies that Israeli forces would withdraw to agreed lines, facilitating a hostage release and foreshadowing a broader ceasefire agreement. Trump stated, “If both sides agree to this proposal, the war will immediately end.” During this pause, hostages—both living and deceased—must be returned within 72 hours following Israel’s public acceptance of the plan.
In case of a successful hostage negotiation, Israel would concede 250 inmates serving life sentences, along with 1,700 Gazans detained since October 7, 2023, which includes women and children. This reciprocity aims to foster trust between both parties.
Following the announcement, foreign ministers from several nations, including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the UAE, and of course, Pakistan, released a joint statement acknowledging Trump’s leadership. They voiced support for his initiative to rebuild Gaza and establish a framework for a permanent peace that wouldn’t displace the Palestinian population.
These ministers asserted their commitment to work collaboratively with the United States, emphasizing their intent to engage in constructive dialogue to ensure the accord’s implementation, thus fostering long-lasting peace and stability.
As he discussed the importance of regional cooperation, Trump mentioned significant figures such as Turkey’s President Erdogan and Indonesia’s respected leader Prabowo Subianto. Their involvement highlights the global dimension of Trump’s strategy to resolve conflict through intensified diplomacy.
Sharif and Munir’s interactions with Trump underscore the growing diplomatic ties between Pakistan and the United States. Earlier in the summer, Trump hosted Munir at the White House, further solidifying their partnership. The two leaders also met during the recent high-level UN General Assembly session, for which Sharif voiced Pakistan’s commitment to ensuring peace in Gaza.
The context of these discussions reveals not only an urgent response to the Gaza crisis but also highlights the critical role Pakistan plays in international peace efforts. Trump’s initiative aims not just for a ceasefire, but a comprehensive resolution that integrates Gaza with the West Bank under a unified Palestinian state.
As nations rally around Trump’s proposal, the implications of this plan extend beyond Gaza, potentially reshaping diplomatic relations across the Middle East. With the emphasis on regional cooperation, Pakistan’s involvement indicates a significant step towards a broader peace framework.
