By Sarosh Mustafa
Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday announced what he described as a “historic peace plan” for Gaza, declaring that a ceasefire framework had been reached with the support of international partners, including Pakistan.
Speaking at the White House alongside Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief General Asim Munir, Trump said Islamabad had been “with us right from the beginning” in shaping the proposal.
“The prime minister and the field marshal of Pakistan were with us right from the start. They fully back this pact, 100 percent,” Trump told reporters.
The 20-Point Plan
According to U.S. officials, the framework aims to halt months of fighting and pave the way for long-term stability. Its key provisions include:
- Immediate and sustained ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
- Opening of humanitarian corridors to ensure safe passage of aid into Gaza.
- Deployment of an international monitoring mission to oversee compliance.
- Phased withdrawal of heavy weaponry from conflict zones.
- Protection of civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and schools.
- Gradual release of detainees held by both sides.
- Lifting of restrictions on essential goods entering Gaza.
- Establishment of a reconstruction fund backed by Gulf states and Western donors.
- Assurances of security for Israel along its southern border.
- Inclusion of the Palestinian Authority in Gaza’s governance.
- Demilitarization commitments by armed groups in exchange for political recognition.
- Launch of a regional security dialogue involving Egypt, Jordan, and Qatar.
- A timeline for local elections in Gaza under international supervision.
- Guarantees of religious access to all holy sites.
- Expansion of United Nations operations in Gaza.
- Bilateral U.S.–Pakistan cooperation on post-conflict development projects.
- Israeli pledge to suspend settlement expansion during the ceasefire period.
- Commitment to return displaced families to their homes where feasible.
- Joint U.S.–EU oversight of aid transparency to prevent misuse of funds.
- A follow-up summit within six months to review progress and address challenges.
Pakistan’s Position
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the initiative as “a long overdue step toward justice and peace,” pledging humanitarian and diplomatic support to ensure its implementation.
General Munir said stability in Gaza was vital for regional security. “Pakistan has always stood for the rights of oppressed peoples. If implemented sincerely, this framework can open a path toward dignity and security for Palestinians,” he stated.
Global Reactions
Initial responses to the announcement were mixed. Arab capitals including Doha and Amman cautiously endorsed the plan, while some Palestinian groups voiced skepticism, pointing to the failure of earlier peace efforts. Israel’s government has yet to issue a formal response.
The United Nations said it would study the proposal closely but underlined that any lasting peace must address “the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people and the security concerns of Israel.”
Trump, who has faced criticism over his Middle East policy, insisted this attempt was different. “The world is watching. This deal will hold because it has the backing of strong partners, including Pakistan,” he said.
