On September 30, US President Donald Trump confirmed that Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir support his proposal to end the Gaza conflict ‘100 percent.’ He made this statement during a joint news conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House.
Trump’s announcement comes as part of a larger diplomatic effort, stating, “This afternoon after extensive consultation with our friends and partners throughout the region, I’m formally releasing our principles for peace.” He emphasized that the proposal has garnered positive feedback from various global leaders involved in the negotiations.
The US President thanked the leaders from several Arab and Muslim nations, which included Pakistan, for their collaboration in shaping the peace proposal. “All of these nations have made contributions to those suggestions. I want to thank the leaders of many Arab and Muslim nations for their tremendous support,” he noted.
During the press conference, Trump acknowledged other influential leaders from the region, mentioning Saudi Arabia’s King, the Emir of Qatar, and the President of Turkey, while emphasizing the collective involvement of these nations in the peace talks.
“These are the people we’ve been dealing with, who have been very much involved in this negotiation, providing insights into what they can accept and what they cannot,” he stated. He further highlighted that both Prime Minister Sharif and Field Marshal Munir have been active participants from the start.
“In fact, they just put out a statement that they fully believe in this pact. Just as I was walking out, they said, ‘Sir, you have a big notice from the prime minister of Pakistan and from the field marshal that they back this 100 percent,” Trump added, solidifying the commitment from Pakistan’s leadership.
Trump’s ‘Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict’ proposes transforming Gaza into a deradicalized zone. According to the plan, Israeli forces would withdraw to agreed-upon lines while all military operations would be halted to facilitate a hostage release. The agreement stipulates that all hostages must be returned within 72 hours after Israel agrees.
In an exchange designed to foster goodwill, Israel will reportedly release 250 life-sentence prisoners and 1,700 detained Gazans, including women and children, following the return of hostages.
At this juncture, Trump’s peace plan has received a positive response from foreign ministers of key countries, including those from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and more. They issued a joint statement recognizing Trump’s leadership in the effort to end the conflict.
The ministers expressed their commitment to collaborating with the U.S. to finalize an agreement focused on restoring peace in Gaza. They underscored the importance of delivering humanitarian aid and ensuring the safety and integration of Palestinians in a possible future Palestinian state.
Sharif was in New York for the UN General Assembly when he met Trump and Mukir in the White House a few days prior. Having hosted Munir earlier this summer for lunch, Trump has a history of interaction with Pakistan’s leaders, asserting a developing partnership.
Throughout the previous meetings, Sharif and Trump discussed regional stability and peace during high-level discussions amidst the UNGA. The cooperation between the U.S. and Pakistan appears to signify a shared commitment to achieving a comprehensive solution to the Gaza conflict.
