Wahsington DC: In a significant diplomatic endorsement, U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly thanked Pakistan’s leadership for its firm backing of a newly unveiled American peace initiative aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
Speaking during a White House briefing on Monday, Trump acknowledged the involvement of several Muslim-majority countries in the formation of the 20-point peace proposal. Among those praised were Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Asim Munir, who the U.S. President said had shown “unwavering support” for the plan from the outset.
“The Prime Minister and the Field Marshal of Pakistan — they’ve been with us since day one,” Trump remarked. “They just released a statement confirming full support for the peace proposal. They back it 100%.”
Trump credited a wide coalition of nations — including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, Jordan, Indonesia, and the UAE — for what he described as constructive engagement during the drafting process. He emphasized that the participation of countries like Pakistan had added “strength and credibility” to the initiative.
Pakistan Signals Full Support
Soon after Trump’s address, Prime Minister Sharif took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to confirm Pakistan’s official stance.
“We welcome the U.S.-led peace framework and believe it’s a necessary step toward ensuring stability and prosperity in the region,” Sharif posted. “A just and lasting solution to the Palestinian question is vital for sustainable peace.”
This endorsement aligns with Pakistan’s long-standing position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which advocates for a two-state solution and an end to hostilities in the occupied territories.
Peace Plan Details
The U.S. proposal, made public earlier the same day, aims to secure an immediate ceasefire, contingent on mutual acceptance by Israel and Hamas.
Key components include:
Release of hostages and detainees: Hamas is expected to return all Israeli captives — both living and deceased — within 72 hours of Israel’s agreement to the terms. In exchange, Israel would release over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 serving life sentences.
Disarmament: Hamas would surrender its weapons under international supervision.
Israeli withdrawal: A phased withdrawal of Israeli forces is proposed following the demilitarisation of Gaza.
Reconstruction & governance: The deal envisions a “New Gaza” — a deradicalised, demilitarised zone rebuilt with global aid and overseen by an international coalition.
The initiative also proposes creating conditions that would prevent future escalations and promote long-term regional development.
Strengthening Ties with Islamabad
Trump’s warm words for Pakistan follow a high-level meeting held last week in Washington between the U.S. President, Prime Minister Sharif, and General Munir. The meeting, which took place after the United Nations General Assembly in New York, reportedly focused on security cooperation, economic engagement, and regional stability.
