On September 30, US President Donald Trump announced that Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir back his comprehensive plan to end the Gaza conflict “100 per cent.” During a joint news conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, Trump listed various world leaders involved in negotiations aimed at resolving the escalating crisis in Gaza.
“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,” Trump stated. He emphasized that these principles come from collaborative discussions with several nations that actively contribute to peace negotiations.
Trump expressed gratitude towards various Arab and Muslim leaders and acknowledged their support in formulating the peace proposal, reaffirming the importance of international involvement in the Gaza issue. He specifically mentioned the contributions from leaders including King Salman of Saudi Arabia, Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
In his remarks, Trump outlined the significant role these leaders play in shaping the negotiations, stating, “These are the people that we’ve been dealing with, that have been actually very much involved in this negotiation, giving us ideas, things they can live with, things they can’t live with.” His commitment to an inclusive approach aims to build consensus among nations.
Trump specifically noted the contributions of King Abdullah II of Jordan, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Turkiye, and Indonesian leader Prabowo Subianto, among others, asserting their involvement in seeking solutions for the troubled Gaza region. He underscored that both PM Sharif and Field Marshal Munir have participated actively in dialogues since the inception of discussions surrounding the conflict.
“They just put out a statement that they fully believe in this pact,” Trump added, revealing the Pakistani leaders’ support for his initiative just as he prepared to conclude his address.
Trump’s ‘Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict’ stipulates that Gaza will transform into a deradicalized, terror-free zone, ensuring it does not pose threats to neighboring communities. The proposal calls for an immediate cessation of military operations once both sides agree to the terms.
The plan details that Israeli forces will withdraw to designated lines as part of preparations for a hostage release. Additionally, all military operations, including aerial bombardments, will remain suspended until necessary conditions are met. All hostages, whether alive or deceased, will be returned within a strict timeline of 72 hours following Israel’s acceptance of the agreement.
Furthermore, the plan stipulates that for the release of every Israeli hostage’s remains, Israel will return the remains of 15 deceased Gazans. Following these arrangements, Israel is to release 250 life-sentenced prisoners and 1,700 gazans detained after October 7, 2023, including all women and children.
The announcement met with a warm reception when foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, UAE, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkiye, Qatar, and Egypt jointly lauded Trump’s leadership in his “sincere efforts” to conclude the war in Gaza. They recognized the proposal’s intention to facilitate humanitarian aid, prevent displacement of Palestinian people, and paves the way for comprehensive peace.
The collective statement reasserted their dedication to work with the US and other parties in finalizing and implementing the agreement to secure peace and stability in the region. They highlighted their commitment to a comprehensive resolution that integrates Gaza with the West Bank to form a viable Palestinian state based on international law.
Sharif, who was in New York for the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, had significant engagements with Trump and Munir on several occasions, underscoring the trilateral relationship among these leaders. Earlier this summer, Trump had hosted Munir for a lunch meeting, further solidifying ties.
The discussions continued in New York, where Sharif met Trump amidst a multilateral meeting with Arab leaders, showcasing a collaborative approach to tackle pressing issues facing the region.
Overall, Trump’s active diplomatic engagement, combined with regional support from Pakistan and other countries, exemplifies a concerted effort to seek lasting peace in a historically complex and volatile area.
