Pakistan has retracted its support for the Gaza peace plan introduced by former US President Donald Trump. Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar stated on Tuesday that the plan deviated from the framework proposed by eight Muslim countries. Dar explained that Trump’s plan lacked critical components such as a ceasefire, provisions for humanitarian aid, and the cessation of forced displacement. This resulted in Pakistan withdrawing its support.
Dar clarified that Pakistan was not the originator of the plan. Despite this, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had previously welcomed the proposal, just hours before a meeting between Trump and Netanyahu at the White House, stating his support for the 20-point plan aimed at resolving the Gaza conflict.
Trump had announced the peace plan during a White House press conference on September 29, claiming the full backing of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir. However, as the details of the plan were released on the White House website, Pakistan expressed concerns. This led Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to distance Pakistan from the plan the very next day.
The change in Pakistan’s position prompts the question of why. Was the initial support for Trump’s plan premature, or were adjustments made following Netanyahu’s involvement a factor? Additionally, the influence of internal political pressures within Pakistan is considered.
The plan and its endorsement received open criticism from Pakistani leaders and social media. A report in the ‘Times of Israel’ noted that Netanyahu had negotiated modifications to the agreement during his meeting with Trump. These included conditions for Israeli troop withdrawals from Gaza and the subsequent proposal of a security zone.
Speaking in Islamabad on Tuesday, Deputy PM Ishaq Dar stated that the American plan was amended due to Netanyahu’s input, which added conditions. One condition was the surrender of Hamas as a prerequisite for Israeli withdrawal. Dar added that Qatar and another Arab country had given assurances that Hamas would accept the agreement.
Dar stated, ‘I want to be clear: Pakistan will not be part of any agreement. Our stance is unchanged: we will not recognize Israel. Our aims are solely to deliver humanitarian aid, end the violence, and protect the West Bank.’