On September 30, US President Donald Trump declared that Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir fully support his plan to resolve the ongoing Gaza conflict. He emphasized their involvement in the discussions alongside a variety of global leaders during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington.
Trump highlighted his latest diplomatic efforts, stating, “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.” This release comes at a critical juncture as tensions in the region soar.
In his address, Trump specifically expressed gratitude to various Arab and Muslim leaders, asserting that their contributions shaped his proposed framework for peace. He mentioned significant engagements with leaders from several nations, underscoring their role in negotiating solutions for Gaza.
“The King of Jordan was with us at the United Nations. President of Turkey, President Erdogan, he’s a friend of mine, strong man but a good man. Prabowo from Indonesia, he is an amazing leader respected by everybody,” noted Trump, further illustrating the collaborative efforts among nations involved in the peace discussion.
Trump emphasized that Sharif and Munir provided unwavering support from the beginning of these negotiations. He mentioned that he received a statement confirming their commitment to backing his peace proposal—a move symbolizing a unified stand against the escalation of violence in Gaza.
According to Trump, his ‘Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict’ aims to transform Gaza into a secure, terror-free zone. He outlined a timeline for the cessation of hostilities, stating that if all involved parties agree to the proposal, the Israeli military will withdraw from conflict zones to facilitate a release of hostages.
“During this time, all military operations, including aerial and artillery bombardment, will be suspended, and battle lines will remain frozen until conditions are met for the complete staged withdrawal,” said Trump, emphasizing a humanitarian approach to the crisis.
In his plan, he called for the return of all hostages and set a timeline for the return of both living and deceased individuals within 72 hours of Israel’s endorsement of the agreement. Under this agreement, for every Israeli hostage whose remains are returned, Israel will release the remains of 15 Gazans.
Following this announcement, foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, UAE, Indonesia, Pakistan, Türkiye, Qatar, and Egypt issued a joint statement praising Trump’s approach and commitment to ending the war in Gaza. They expressed support for his peace plan that focuses on rebuilding Gaza and advocating for the rights of Palestinian people.
The joint statement highlighted their readiness to engage positively with the United States and other involved parties to finalize and implement the agreement, underlining the necessity for security, stability, and humanitarian support in the region.
“We reaffirm our commitment to work with the US to ensure unrestricted humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza, the release of hostages, and an overall peace process,” added the foreign ministers, underlining the broader implications of Trump’s proposed initiative for lasting peace.
Sharif’s discussions with Trump occur amidst his participation in the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, where he also convened with other leaders. His visit highlighted Pakistan’s proactive role in fostering regional diplomacy.
Trump had previously hosted Munir in the White House over the summer, marking a pivotal moment in US-Pakistan relations. Their recent dialogues reflect an ongoing commitment to collaborative solutions amidst the complexities of Middle Eastern geopolitics.
Through these strategic engagements, both Pakistan and the US seek to contribute significantly to a resolution that not only addresses the immediate humanitarian crisis in Gaza but also paves the way for long-term stability and peace in the region.
