U.S. President Donald Trump's 20-point Gaza peace plan outlines a two-state solution, proposing Israel's continued sovereignty alongside the establishment of a Palestinian state in Gaza and parts of the West Bank.
The plan includes phased Israeli withdrawal, Palestinian reconstruction, Hamas disarmament and the creation of a transitional authority. It also calls for international security oversight, economic development, infrastructure rebuilding, civilian protection and regional cooperation with Arab states, while addressing key issues such as borders, Jerusalem, refugees and counterterrorism measures.
On September 29, 2025, President Trump praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Gen. Asim Munir for their early and robust support of the peace plan, describing both leaders as outstanding and highlighting Pakistan's endorsement as crucial for garnering wider international backing. This recognition reflects a strengthening of U.S.-Pakistan relations and emphasises Pakistan's strategic diplomatic role. Prime Minister Sharif and Field Marshal Munir welcomed the plan, calling it a potential step toward long-term regional peace. Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to Palestinian self-determination and humanitarian relief, expressing cautious optimism that the plan if fairly executed, could restore hope and security for the Palestinian people.
Since its creation in 1947, Pakistan has consistently backed the Palestinian cause. Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah endorsed the principle of two states for two nations: Israel for the Jews and Palestine for Muslims. The roots of Palestine-Israel conflict lie in rising tensions between Jews and Arabs under British rule, aggravated by 1917 Balfour Declaration and increased Jewish immigration. Israel's declaration of independence in 1948 sparked war and triggered the mass displacement of Palestinians called Nakba. The only Muslim nuclear power, Pakistan has repeatedly backed Palestinian rights, called for full UN membership, condemned Israeli occupation and advocated for peaceful solutions through international law and solidarity within the Muslim world.
In current situation, Hamas, a jihadi organization controlling Gaza, initiated a conflict that Israel under Netanyahu exploited as a pretext to carry out severe massacres resembling genocide, killing over 65,500 people, wounding 167,500, and displacing millions. Israel devised a plan to forcibly remove Palestinians from Gaza, while the U.S. even suggested clearing these areas and creating alternative sites for relocation. The crisis escalated on Oct. 7, 2023, with heavy civilian casualties, widespread destruction and acute shortages of essential supplies. Over the past two years, children have disproportionately suffered, leaving communities traumatized and socially destabilized.
Truthfully, stopping the killing of Palestinians was paramount. Without protection, if Gaza were seized like other Palestinian territories, hope for its residents would vanish. Questions arose regarding where a Palestinian state could be established and who would oversee it. Israel's intentions toward the West Bank further reflected the extremity of its approach. Pakistan called for an immediate ceasefire and urged international intervention. Following Israel's September 9, 2025 airstrike in Doha targeting Hamas leaders, Pakistan supported Qatar, reinforced Muslim unity and pressed UN to hold Israel accountable. September 2025 Arab-Islamic Summit in Doha addressed regional security, condemned the airstrike and highlighted Pakistan's role in promoting solidarity and safeguarding regional stability.
At the 80th UN General Assembly in New York (Sept. 22-26, 2025), global leaders emphasized human rights, peace and the recognition of Palestine. On the sidelines, Trump met leaders of key Muslim-majority nations, including Pakistan, Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE, Jordan and Indonesia, to discuss the Gaza crisis and pathways to peace. Prime Minister Sharif represented Pakistan, engaging on the Gaza situation, regional security, Kashmir, terrorism and humanitarian concerns.
The plan guarantees Gaza remains under Palestinian control, with phased Israeli withdrawal, reconstruction and restoration of essential services, offering hope for pre-war normalcy and a functional Palestinian state. Pakistan's engagement at the UNGA highlights its unwavering support for Palestinian rights, proactive diplomacy, commitment to regional stability, and cooperation on global peace, climate action, counterterrorism, and strategic partnerships.
Arab states that have welcomed Trump's Gaza/Palestinian peace plan include Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar and Egypt. Other regional partners, such as Jordan, have also expressed cautious support, emphasizing Palestinian rights and stability.