Vows Support for Peace

Pakistan has welcomed Hamas’s recent indication that it could accept key portions of Donald Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan, saying the move creates “a window of opportunity” for a ceasefire and eventual peace in the region.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that the development “must not be allowed to close again,” emphasizing Pakistan’s continued commitment to work with Muslim nations and global partners to secure lasting peace in Palestine.

However, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar clarified that the plan unveiled publicly by Trump is not identical to the draft that Pakistan and other Muslim-majority countries had worked on. He explained that changes were made in the published version which did not reflect the original proposals Pakistan supported.

What Hamas Has Agreed To

Acceptance of certain elements of Trump’s plan.
Agreement in principle to release Israeli hostages.
Willingness to hand over governance of Gaza to an interim Palestinian authority.
Continued reservations on issues such as disarmament and full political restructuring.

Israel’s Response

Israel has signaled it is ready to begin implementing the first stages of the plan, particularly concerning the release of hostages. However, uncertainties remain about:

The scale of Israeli military withdrawal.
The duration of any halt in bombing.
The long-term status of Gaza’s governance.

Pakistan’s Stance

Supports any step that opens a path to truce and de-escalation.
Welcomes Hamas’s partial acceptance but distances itself from the altered U.S. version of the plan.
Seeks to maintain alignment with Muslim-majority states while promoting peace efforts.

Global Context

Trump has urged Israel to halt bombing in Gaza to allow for negotiations and hostage release.
Hamas has resisted demands for full disarmament, calling for further consultations among Palestinians.
Regional actors like Egypt and Qatar are also engaging in mediation to translate the proposal into a workable ceasefire.

Key Takeaways

Pakistan sees Hamas’s move as an opening for peace but remains cautious about ownership of Trump’s altered plan.
A ceasefire is possible if Israel and Hamas take immediate practical steps.
The biggest unresolved issues remain disarmament, the future governance of Gaza, and broader Palestinian statehood rights.