ISLAMABAD:
Foreign ministers of eight Muslim countries — Jordan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Egypt — on Sunday welcomed the steps announced by Hamas in response to US President Donald Trump’s 20-point proposal to end the Gaza war.
Hamas announced release of hostages and start of negotiations on a lasting peace arrangement. In a joint statement released by the Foreign Office here said they “welcomed the steps taken by Hamas” and “President Trump’s call on Israel to immediately stop the bombing and to begin implementation of the exchange agreement.”
They expressed appreciation for Trump’s “commitment to establishing peace in the region,” terming the developments a “real opportunity” to achieve a comprehensive and sustainable ceasefire and address the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The ministers also welcomed Hamas’s announcement that it was ready to hand over the administration of Gaza to a transitional Palestinian administrative committee made up of independent technocrats. They emphasized the urgent need to launch negotiations on implementation mechanisms for the proposal and address all related aspects.
The statement reiterated the countries’ joint commitment to work toward the immediate end of hostilities in Gaza, ensure the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid, prevent displacement of Palestinians, and avoid any measures that endanger civilians.
It also called for the release of hostages, the return of the Palestinian Authority to Gaza, the unification of Gaza and the West Bank, and a full Israeli withdrawal leading to reconstruction and a pathway to a just peace based on the two-state solution.
The joint declaration came amid growing regional and international focus on President Trump’s recently unveiled 20-point Gaza Peace Plan, which aims to halt the two-year-long conflict and establish a framework for Gaza’s governance and reconstruction.
According to details released by US officials, the 20-point plan includes an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages within 72 hours, and a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza to pre-agreed lines.
It also calls for the creation of an International Stabilization Force to monitor the truce, the disarmament of Hamas, and the establishment of a technocratic transitional administration for Gaza under international oversight.
The proposal further envisions a large-scale reconstruction programme titled “New Gaza,” to be funded by international donors, while excluding Hamas from any future governing role. In the longer term, the plan promises gradual movement toward Palestinian self-governance and a two-state political settlement.
While Israel has conditionally accepted the plan, Hamas said on Friday that it was prepared to cooperate on key provisions — including releasing all captives and ending hostilities — provided Israel halts its military operations and allows negotiations to proceed.
However, several Muslim countries, including Pakistan, have maintained that the US version of the plan differs from a draft earlier discussed among Arab and Islamic states. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar told parliament on Friday that “changes were made to the draft without consultation”.
The foreign minister added that while Pakistan supports all efforts toward ending the war, “the plan must align with the principles and proposals earlier agreed upon by Muslim countries.”
Diplomatic sources said Pakistan and other regional states were now focusing on ensuring that the implementation of any agreement guarantees unrestricted humanitarian access, no displacement of Palestinians, and the return of the Palestinian Authority to Gaza.
The Trump peace plan, presented during meetings on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly last month, is the most ambitious international initiative since the start of the 2023 Gaza war. Mediators from Egypt and Qatar are expected to facilitate indirect talks between Israel and Hamas in the coming days to finalise practical steps toward a ceasefire and prisoner exchange.
Meanwhile, the Foreign Office on Sunday confirmed that senator Mushtaq Ahmad, who was aboard the Sumud aid flotilla bound for Gaza, is in the custody of Israeli forces but is safe and in good health.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the spokesperson said Pakistan was in contact with its international partners to ensure the “safety and prompt repatriation” of its citizens, who were “illegally detained by the Israeli occupying forces.”
“Through the diplomatic channels of a friendly European country, we have confirmed that former senator Mushtaq Ahmad is in the custody of the Israeli occupying forces and is safe and in good health,” the statement said.
The spokesperson added that, under local legal procedures, senator Mushtaq would be presented before a court, after which his deportation orders were expected. “Upon the issuance of deportation orders, his repatriation will be facilitated on a fast-track basis,” the statement said.
The Foreign Office noted that Pakistan had already coordinated the safe return of several citizens who disembarked earlier from the flotilla. It also expressed “profound gratitude to the brotherly countries that assisted in the repatriation of our citizens.”
“The Government of Pakistan remains committed to the protection of all its citizens abroad and anticipates the completion of this repatriation process within the coming days,” the statement added.
The Sumud flotilla, carrying international activists and humanitarian aid, was intercepted by Israeli forces earlier this week while attempting to break the blockade on Gaza. Among those detained were several foreign nationals, including Pakistanis, whose release and repatriation are now being pursued through diplomatic channels.
