Pakistan backs Trump’s Gaza peace plan, two-state solution

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan aimed at ending the war in Gaza, emphasizing that durable peace between Palestinians and Israelis is essential for regional stability and economic growth.

PM Sharif highlighted Trump’s commitment, saying on X that the U.S. president is “fully prepared to assist in whatever way necessary to make this extremely important and urgent understanding a reality.”

He lauded the leadership of Trump and the critical role played by U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff in efforts to bring an end to the conflict.

“The implementation of the two-state proposal is essential to ensure lasting peace in the region,” the premier added, reinforcing Pakistan’s support for a framework that could pave the way for Palestinian statehood.

After nearly two years of stalled diplomacy, Washington last week presented a 21-point plan to Arab and Muslim states, proposing a permanent ceasefire and the release of remaining hostages.

Trump expressed optimism on social media, writing, “We have a real chance for GREATNESS IN THE MIDDLE EAST. ALL ARE ON BOARD FOR SOMETHING SPECIAL, FIRST TIME EVER. WE WILL GET IT DONE!!!”

While Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has praised Trump as a close ally, signs of skepticism remain within Israel, and some Arab states have voiced reservations over the proposal.

U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed that Trump presented the plan on September 23 during a meeting with leaders from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Turkey, Pakistan, Egypt, the UAE, and Jordan at the United Nations.

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas was not allowed to attend the UN General Assembly, as the U.S. denied him a visa. Those present at the meeting issued a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to cooperate with Trump and highlighting the importance of his leadership in ending the war.

What the plan entails

The plan lays out a path toward a Palestinian state and a future roadmap for Gaza, which Israel has consistently opposed. Key provisions include the release of 20 living hostages remaining in Gaza, as well as the return of remains of the deceased, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians held in Israel. According to The Washington Post, once hostages are released, Israel will free 250 prisoners serving life sentences and 1,700 Gazans detained after October 7. For every Israeli deceased returned, Israel will release the remains of 15 deceased Gazans.

The plan calls for Hamas to disarm and requires reforms to the Palestinian Authority. Israel must also halt further attacks on Qatar, which has mediated in the conflict, and commit to a security and economic plan for Gaza.

Under the proposal, Gaza would be governed initially by a transitional authority, allowing former Hamas members either to stay under the new plan or relocate safely to other countries.

According to a DW report, Israel would be required to immediately halt all military operations, return captured territories, and promise not to occupy or annex Gaza.

A UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) Commission of Inquiry recently found that Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians. The plan also ensures that international aid can reach Gaza without obstruction, although it does not reference the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which is supported by Israel and the U.S.