WORLD NEWS
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has not yet taken any decision on sending its troops to Palestine as part of a proposed peace force, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said.
While addressing a press conference in Islamabad, he confirmed that the leadership would decide on the matter, reiterating that Pakistan’s position on the Palestinian issue remains unchanged.
Dar explained that while the United States has floated a Gaza peace plan, ground operations would mainly be managed by Palestinian law enforcement. The plan, backed by President Donald Trump and reportedly accepted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calls for a ceasefire and the release of hostages. However, its success depends on whether Hamas agrees to the terms.
Dar revealed that the proposal involves establishing an independent technocrat government in Palestine, supervised by a largely Palestinian oversight body. He underlined that Pakistan had not engaged with Israel directly, clarifying: “If we had to deal with Israel, we would have done it directly. We dealt with the United States, and the United States dealt with Israel.”
He added that five countries believe Hamas may accept the plan, saying their assurances should be trusted. Pakistan, along with seven other nations, agreed to the Gaza agenda during meetings with President Trump. A secret understanding was reached for foreign ministers of these countries to hold further consultations with Trump’s team.
Dar said Pakistan stands firmly united with the other seven countries involved, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Turkiye. Together they issued a joint statement supporting the establishment of a Palestinian state on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Sharif as its capital. The statement also highlighted commitments to halt Israel’s annexation attempts in the West Bank, ensure the return of displaced Palestinians, and secure humanitarian aid for Gaza.
