Ishaq Dar Says Palestine Policy Remains Steady, Decision on Deploying Forces Pending

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar stated on Tuesday that the proposed Gaza peace initiative includes the deployment of a peacekeeping mission — a “temporary international stabilization force” — in Palestine, with Indonesia offering to contribute 20,000 troops for this purpose.

Dar expressed hope that Pakistan’s leadership would decide to send its personnel to be part of this peacekeeping force. He shared these remarks during a press conference in Islamabad while outlining the details of the Gaza peace plan.

He emphasized that Pakistan had not entered into any direct agreement with Israel and maintained its stance in support of a Palestinian state based on the two-state solution, with Al-Quds al-Sharif [Jerusalem] as the capital.

Responding to criticism from certain groups, Dar questioned whether the critics preferred the continued killing of children in Gaza. He stressed that Pakistan’s position on Palestine was consistent and unchanged.

As Pakistan’s foreign minister, Dar also pointed out that Pakistan was not alone in supporting the Gaza peace proposal. His comments followed a united effort by eight member states of the Arab League and OIC — including Pakistan — to advocate for a resolution to the deteriorating situation in Gaza.

Urging the public to refrain from unwarranted criticism, Dar noted that the Palestinian Authority — the internationally recognized representative body of the Palestinian people — had expressed support for the Gaza peace plan introduced by US President Donald Trump on Tuesday.

COMMITTED TO ACHIEVE A COMPREHENSIVE DEAL
On Monday, the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkiye, the UAE, Jordan, Egypt, and Indonesia issued a joint statement reaffirming “their joint commitment to work with the United States to end the war in Gaza through a comprehensive deal”.

They also expressed approval of Trump’s announcement aimed at preventing the forced displacement of Palestinians and stopping Israel from annexing the West Bank.

IN CONTACT WITH SAUDI ARABIA
Dar further informed the media on Tuesday that the majority of members within the transitional authority, under Trump’s leadership, would be Palestinians. He added that he remained in continuous contact with his Saudi counterpart regarding the peace initiative.

HAMAS TOO WILL ACCEPT IT
Additionally, Dar mentioned that he did not believe Hamas would oppose the Gaza peace plan. “We were assured that Hamas would accept the deal,” he said, without specifying who provided the assurance — though it’s likely a reference to Qatar, which was set to hold discussions with Hamas and Turkiye on Tuesday.

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