The 20-point plan unveiled this week by U.S. President Donald Trump to end the conflict in the Gaza Strip does not align with a draft submitted to him by a group of Muslim-majority countries, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated on Friday.
The Muslim-majority countries had proposed the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza during a meeting with Trump on 22 September. In contrast, Trump’s plan calls for a partial withdrawal, aimed at preparing for the release of hostages held by Hamas, the Palestinian group designated as terrorist by the U.S. and the EU.
“I made it clear that these 20 points published by Trump are not the same as ours. In our draft, several changes have been made,” Dar told Pakistani lawmakers.
Key Points of the Trump Plan
- All hostages, living and deceased, are to be returned within 72 hours after a ceasefire.
- Creation of a future “New Gaza” is mentioned.
- The plan depends heavily on Hamas’s acceptance.
- Trump proposes a temporary Palestinian governance committee, including technocrats and international experts.
- An international Peace Board, led by Trump with the participation of former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, will oversee the process.
The plan was published a week after Trump met leaders from eight Muslim-majority countries—Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Indonesia, and Pakistan—to discuss the situation in Gaza. According to Axios, the Trump administration hopes these nations will deploy forces to Gaza, facilitating Israeli withdrawal and providing funding for reconstruction and transition.
Muslim-Majority Countries Call for Full Israeli Withdrawal
Dar emphasized that the eight countries secured Trump’s commitment preventing Israel from annexing the West Bank, a move long advocated by right-wing allies of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“Our draft called for Israel’s complete withdrawal and a path toward a just peace based on a two-state solution,” Dar said.
Pakistan maintains that the establishment of a Palestinian state coexisting with Israel is a key policy objective. Netanyahu has repeatedly opposed Palestinian statehood, citing national security concerns.
Trump’s plan stipulates the suspension of all military operations and the establishment of front lines in Gaza until conditions are ready for a phased full withdrawal of Israeli forces. Hamas is required to disarm and was given a three-to-four-day window to comply.
