Pakistan Backs Trump’s New Peace Plan for Gaza

New York: Pakistan has endorsed US President Donald Trump’s new peace initiative for Gaza and the wider Middle East, calling it a “rare opportunity” for progress—while strongly warning that Israel’s E-1 settlement plan poses a serious threat to the two-state solution.

At a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting on the Middle East, Pakistan’s UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad welcomed Trump’s engagement with Arab and OIC countries to promote peace.

“We value the initiative of President Trump and support the consultative process aimed at a just and lasting peace,” Ambassador Ahmad said.

Key Points of the U.S.-Backed Peace Plan:

• Immediate ceasefire

• Exchange of Hamas hostages for Palestinian prisoners

• Gradual Israeli withdrawal from Gaza

• Hamas disarmament

• A transitional, internationally led government

Trump announced that Israeli PM Netanyahu had agreed to the 20-point plan. However, the proposal still requires acceptance by Hamas.

Pakistan’s Concerns Over Humanitarian Crisis

Ambassador Ahmad described the situation in Gaza as “the most heart-wrenching tragedy of our times,” noting that:

• Over 66,000 Palestinians have been killed

• Most victims are women and children

• Homes, schools, and hospitals have been destroyed

• People are facing starvation and displacement

Strong Warning Against Israeli E-1 Settlements

Ahmad condemned Israel’s E-1 settlement expansion, saying it:

• Violates international law

• Threatens the two-state solution

• Could cut off East Jerusalem from the rest of Palestine

• Undermines UNSC Resolution 2334

Pakistan’s Demands to the UN Security Council:

1. Immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza

2. End of blockade and full access to humanitarian aid

3. Release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners

4. Stop to settlement activity and forced displacement

5. Start of a political process for a sovereign Palestinian state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif (Jerusalem) as the capital

Ambassador Ahmad concluded by saying that peace in the region and the credibility of the Security Council depend on its actions now.