On Tuesday, September 30, 2025, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar made headlines during a press conference in Islamabad, where he distanced his country and its allies from U.S. President Donald Trump’s recently unveiled 20-point plan aimed at ending the Israeli war on Gaza. In a firm and carefully worded statement, Dar declared, “This is not our document, which we sent to them.” He emphasized that while the plan contains elements that align with the objectives of Pakistan and other Muslim-majority nations, it falls short of fully addressing their proposals. “There are some key areas that we want covered … If they are not covered, they will be covered,” Dar asserted, signaling a commitment to ensuring that the concerns of Pakistan and its allies are adequately addressed.
Dar’s remarks come at a critical juncture in international diplomacy, as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly the ongoing war in Gaza, remains one of the most pressing humanitarian and geopolitical crises of our time. The conflict, which intensified in October 2023, has claimed the lives of over 66,000 Palestinians—predominantly women and children—according to Gaza health authorities. The Israeli military’s relentless bombardment has left the enclave in ruins, with widespread destruction of infrastructure, severe shortages of food and clean water, and the rapid spread of diseases. Against this backdrop, Trump’s announcement of a 20-point plan to halt the violence has sparked both hope and skepticism among global stakeholders.
The Context of Trump’s 20-Point Plan
President Trump unveiled his 20-point plan during a White House press conference on Monday, alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The plan, presented as a comprehensive roadmap to end the war in Gaza, includes several key provisions:
Release of Captives and Prisoners: The plan calls for the immediate release of all Israeli captives held in Gaza in exchange for the release of dozens of Palestinian prisoners detained by Israel.
Disarmament of Hamas: It demands the complete disarmament of Hamas, the Palestinian militant group governing Gaza, as a prerequisite for peace.
Israeli Military Withdrawal: The proposal outlines a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, contingent on security guarantees and the implementation of other plan components.
Governance Reform: It envisions the establishment of a technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee to govern Gaza, replacing Hamas’s current administration.
Pathway to Statehood: The plan vaguely references a potential pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood but stops short of guaranteeing it, leaving room for interpretation and negotiation.
While the plan has been touted by the Trump administration as a bold step toward peace, its reception has been mixed. For Israel, the proposal aligns with its long-standing demands for security and the neutralization of Hamas. However, for Palestinians and their allies, the plan’s ambiguity on statehood and its emphasis on Hamas’s disarmament raise concerns about fairness and feasibility.
Pakistan’s Stance and the Joint Statement
Dar’s comments reflect a broader sentiment among several Muslim-majority nations that have expressed cautious support for Trump’s initiative while highlighting its shortcomings. During the press conference, Dar referenced a joint statement issued by eight Muslim countries—Pakistan, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Jordan, and Indonesia—following a meeting with Trump on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The meeting, which took place last week, provided a platform for these leaders to discuss the Gaza crisis directly with the U.S. president.
“We have issued a joint statement on behalf of eight countries. We own this. If there is any difference anywhere, we would go by—we are committed to this,” Dar said, underscoring the collective resolve of these nations to advocate for a resolution that aligns with their priorities. The joint statement, while supportive of efforts to end the war, emphasizes the need for an immediate ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian aid, an end to forced displacement, and a clear commitment to Palestinian self-determination.
Dar’s assertion that Trump’s plan is “not our document” suggests a divergence between the U.S. proposal and the expectations of these nations. In an interview with Pakistan’s Geo News later that day, Dar elaborated, stating, “The draft of Trump’s plan released by the White House does not include all of our proposals.” He did not specify which elements were missing but stressed that the eight nations would continue to push for their inclusion through diplomatic channels.
Qatar’s Perspective and the Need for Clarification
Dar’s remarks were echoed by Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who, in an interview with Al Jazeera, described Trump’s plan as a step toward ending the war but noted that “some issues require clarification and negotiation.” Al Thani’s comments reflect Doha’s cautious approach to the proposal, balancing optimism about its potential with a recognition of its limitations. “We hope everyone will look at the plan constructively and seize the opportunity to end the war,” he said, signaling Qatar’s willingness to engage in further discussions to refine the plan.
Qatar, a key mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, has played a pivotal role in facilitating ceasefire talks and humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza. Al Thani noted that Doha had not yet received a response from Hamas regarding Trump’s plan, highlighting the challenges of securing buy-in from all parties involved. Hamas, which has governed Gaza since 2007, has historically resisted proposals that demand its disarmament without guarantees of Palestinian statehood or an end to Israel’s occupation.
The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The urgency of finding a resolution to the Gaza conflict cannot be overstated. Since October 2023, Israel’s military campaign has devastated the enclave, killing over 66,000 Palestinians and injuring tens of thousands more. The majority of the casualties are women and children, a fact that has drawn widespread international condemnation. The bombardment has destroyed homes, schools, hospitals, and critical infrastructure, rendering Gaza largely uninhabitable. According to the United Nations, over 1.9 million Palestinians—nearly 90% of Gaza’s population—have been displaced, many of them multiple times.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire. Acute shortages of food, clean water, and medical supplies have led to widespread starvation and the outbreak of diseases such as polio and hepatitis. The blockade imposed by Israel, combined with the destruction of agricultural land and water systems, has exacerbated the crisis, pushing Gaza to the brink of famine. International aid organizations have struggled to deliver assistance due to restrictions on access and ongoing hostilities.
Dar highlighted these issues during his press conference, stating that the immediate objectives of any peace plan must include “stopping the blood, letting humanitarian aid flow, and ending forced displacement.” These priorities reflect the consensus among the eight Muslim nations, which have repeatedly called for an end to the violence and the alleviation of Gaza’s humanitarian suffering.
The Broader Geopolitical Context
The Gaza war is not only a humanitarian tragedy but also a geopolitical flashpoint with far-reaching implications. The conflict has strained relations between Israel and its neighbors, complicated U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, and deepened divisions within the international community. The involvement of Muslim-majority nations in the discussions surrounding Trump’s plan underscores their growing influence in shaping the region’s future.
Pakistan, as a key player in the Muslim world, has consistently advocated for Palestinian rights and condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza. Dar’s remarks reflect Islamabad’s determination to assert its voice in the peace process and ensure that any resolution addresses the root causes of the conflict, including the Israeli occupation and the lack of Palestinian statehood. Similarly, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and other nations in the coalition have their own strategic interests in the region, ranging from security concerns to economic ties with both Western and Arab states.
The joint statement issued by the eight nations is a rare display of unity among countries that often have competing agendas. By aligning their positions on the Gaza crisis, these nations are signaling their intent to play a more active role in shaping the outcome of the conflict. However, their ability to influence the peace process will depend on their diplomatic leverage and their willingness to engage with both Israel and Hamas.
Challenges and Prospects for Trump’s Plan
Trump’s 20-point plan has been met with skepticism by some analysts, who argue that it prioritizes Israel’s security concerns while offering little clarity on Palestinian aspirations. The proposal’s emphasis on Hamas’s disarmament and the establishment of a technocratic government is likely to face resistance from Palestinian factions, which view such measures as undermining their sovereignty. Moreover, the plan’s vague language on statehood—describing it as a “possibility” rather than a guarantee—has drawn criticism from those who see it as a continuation of U.S. policies that favor Israel.
For the plan to succeed, it will require buy-in from all parties, including Hamas, the Palestinian Authority, and the Israeli government. Hamas, which has not yet formally responded to the proposal, is unlikely to agree to disarmament without significant concessions, such as a clear timeline for statehood or the lifting of the Gaza blockade. The Palestinian Authority, based in the West Bank, may also view the plan with suspicion, as it could marginalize its role in favor of a new governing body in Gaza.
On the Israeli side, Prime Minister Netanyahu faces domestic pressure from far-right coalition partners who oppose any concessions to Palestinians, including the release of prisoners or a withdrawal from Gaza. While Netanyahu has publicly endorsed Trump’s plan, his government’s commitment to its implementation remains uncertain.
The role of international mediators, such as Qatar and Egypt, will be crucial in bridging these gaps. Both countries have extensive experience in negotiating ceasefires and facilitating dialogue between Israel and Palestinian factions. Their cautious support for Trump’s plan suggests a willingness to engage in the process, but their call for “clarification and negotiation” indicates that significant hurdles remain.
Pakistan’s Role in the Peace Process
Pakistan’s rejection of Trump’s plan as “not our document” underscores its determination to advocate for a resolution that reflects the interests of the Palestinian people and the broader Muslim world. As a country with no formal diplomatic ties to Israel, Pakistan is well-positioned to act as a vocal supporter of Palestinian rights without the constraints faced by nations with closer ties to Israel, such as Egypt or the UAE.
Dar’s comments also highlight Pakistan’s growing assertiveness in international diplomacy. By aligning with seven other Muslim-majority nations, Pakistan is leveraging its influence to shape the narrative around the Gaza crisis. The joint statement issued by the coalition is a testament to the power of collective diplomacy, as it sends a clear message to the international community that these nations will not accept a peace plan that fails to address their concerns.
At the same time, Pakistan faces its own domestic challenges, including economic difficulties and political instability. Dar, who also serves as Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister, must balance his country’s foreign policy ambitions with the need to address pressing issues at home. His outspoken stance on the Gaza issue reflects the deep resonance of the Palestinian cause among Pakistan’s population, which has consistently expressed solidarity with Palestinians through protests, media campaigns, and political rhetoric.
The Path Forward
As the international community grapples with the Gaza crisis, the coming weeks will be critical in determining the fate of Trump’s 20-point plan. The plan’s success will depend on the ability of all parties to engage in good-faith negotiations and address the core issues driving the conflict. For Pakistan and its allies, this means ensuring that any agreement prioritizes an immediate ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian aid, and a clear path to Palestinian self-determination.
The humanitarian toll of the war in Gaza demands urgent action. The international community must move beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps to alleviate the suffering of Gaza’s population. This includes not only supporting ceasefire efforts but also addressing the long-term challenges of rebuilding Gaza, lifting the blockade, and advancing a just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Dar’s remarks, while critical of Trump’s plan, leave room for optimism. By emphasizing the need for further negotiation and the inclusion of key proposals, Pakistan and its allies are signaling their willingness to engage in the peace process while standing firm on their principles. As the world watches, the actions of these nations, alongside those of the U.S., Israel, and Palestinian factions, will shape the future of Gaza and the broader Middle East.
In conclusion, the rejection of Trump’s plan as “not our document” by Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reflects the complexities of achieving peace in Gaza. While the plan represents a starting point, its shortcomings highlight the need for a more inclusive and comprehensive approach. As diplomatic efforts continue, the international community must remain committed to ending the violence, addressing the humanitarian crisis, and laying the groundwork for a just and sustainable resolution to one of the world’s most intractable conflicts.
