ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday hailed the Hamas statement on the Gaza peace plan as a critical opening for ceasefire talks. Speaking after UN General Assembly meetings, he urged global actors to seize the moment. The response from the Palestinian group came late Friday, prompting US President Donald Trump to demand Israel halt bombings immediately. Pakistan has pushed for de-escalation since the conflict erupted nearly two years ago.
This development carries weight across South Asia. Pakistan, home to 240 million Muslims, often amplifies Palestinian voices in international forums. A successful truce could stabilise energy prices, ease refugee flows and bolster trade routes vital to India, Bangladesh and beyond. It aligns with Islamabad’s long-standing advocacy for a two-state solution, influencing OIC dynamics and countering extremism narratives in the region.
Hamas Statement Opens Gaza Peace Opportunity for Pakistan
Hamas leaders issued their response to Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan on October 3, 2025. The group accepted key elements, including hostage releases and temporary halts to fighting. Officials said it agreed to free all remaining Israeli captives in exchange for detained Palestinians. However, they sought clarifications on disarmament and long-term governance.
A Hamas spokesperson noted the plan’s potential to “stop the aggression and genocide.” Yet, the statement flagged unresolved issues like Israeli withdrawal timelines. Mediators in Qatar and Egypt relayed the reply to Washington, sparking cautious optimism. Trump reacted swiftly, instructing Israeli forces to cease airstrikes and prepare for phase one implementation.
Pakistan PM Gaza peace efforts gained traction here. Sharif praised the move during a press interaction in New York. “The statement issued by Hamas creates a window for a ceasefire and ensuring peace that we must not allow to close again,” he said. He credited Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff for bridging gaps.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar echoed this in the National Assembly. “Hamas’ response was a welcome step,” Dar stated. “This must now result in an immediate ceasefire, end to Palestinian suffering, ensure hostages release, and allow free flow of humanitarian aid. Israel must immediately stop its attacks.” Dar reaffirmed support for a sovereign Palestine on pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as capital.
Pakistan’s Role in Brokering Gaza Peace
Islamabad has coordinated with eight Muslim nations on the sidelines of UNGA. These talks refined an earlier draft shared with the US. The joint push emphasises unrestricted aid, no displacements and full Israeli pullout from Gaza. Reconstruction and West Bank integration form core pillars.
Sharif thanked leaders from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Turkiye, Jordan, Egypt and Indonesia. “Alhamdolillah, we are closer to a ceasefire than we have been since this genocide was launched on the Palestinian people,” he added. “Pakistan has always stood by the Palestinian people and shall always do so.”
Official data underscores commitment. Pakistan dispatched 2,027 tons of aid via 21 consignments by August 2025, per government records. This includes PKR 500 million in emergency funds for food, medicine and shelter. The latest shipment, 100 tons from Lahore, targeted displaced families in northern Gaza.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a press release on October 4. It called the Hamas statement Gaza peace opportunity a “vital chance” for truce and hostage swaps. “Pakistan stands in solidarity with Palestinians in their struggle,” the release read. It urged accountability for violations and swift aid delivery.
Earlier, Sharif welcomed Trump’s outline on September 29 via X. “I welcome President Trump’s 20-point plan to ensure an end to the war in Gaza,” he posted. “Durable peace between Palestinians and Israel would bring stability and growth to the region.” The post garnered over 7,000 likes, reflecting public backing.
Challenges in Seizing the Gaza Peace Opportunity
Despite progress, hurdles persist. Netanyahu’s office confirmed preparations for initial phases but stressed security guarantees. Vexing topics like Hamas disarmament remain open. Critics note the plan’s focus on redevelopment sidesteps sovereignty demands.
In South Asia, the stakes rise. Pakistan’s vocal stance rallies OIC allies, including Bangladesh and Maldives. A prolonged war disrupts remittances from Gulf workers, hitting PKR 8 billion monthly inflows. It also fuels protests in Karachi and Lahore, straining domestic security.
Dar clarified nuances in parliament. He distanced from final tweaks to the US proposal, saying they deviated from the Muslim bloc’s version. “Any peace accord is incomplete without recognition of an independent Palestinian state,” he asserted. The US now stands as the “only hope” after UN and OIC shortfalls, Dar added.
Hamas statement Gaza peace opportunity Pakistan views as pivotal. The group seeks prisoner exchanges beyond hostages, aiming for 10,000 releases. It demands guarantees against future incursions. Trump’s Sunday deadline for full acceptance adds urgency.
Global reactions poured in. Qatar’s foreign ministry welcomed the reply, vowing mediation support. Jordan and Egypt pledged logistics for aid corridors. Even as bombings paused, 77% of required food aid still lags, per UN OCHA data from September 2025.
Background: Pakistan’s Long Support for Palestine
Pakistan recognised Palestine in 1947, days after independence. It has hosted envoys and donated consistently. In 2025 alone, aid totals exceeded 2,000 tons, focusing on orphans and medics. Sharif’s administration ramped efforts post-October 2023 flare-up.
UNRWA reports highlight needs: 5,059 children aided weekly in August. Yet, blockades cut supplies to 26% of targets. Pakistan lobbied for OIC resolutions condemning settlements.
The flotilla incident on October 1 drew ire. Sharif condemned Israel’s seizure of the Samud vessel carrying 450 aid workers. “This barbarity must end. Peace must be given a chance,” he tweeted.
What’s Next for Pakistan PM Gaza Peace Push
As talks advance, Pakistan eyes reconstruction roles. Sharif pledged continued diplomacy with partners. A successful deal could unlock PKR 1 billion in regional funds for Gaza rebuilds.
The Hamas statement Gaza peace opportunity Pakistan champions demands vigilance. Mediators schedule virtual rounds next week. Failure risks renewed escalations, per analysts.
Pakistan PM Gaza peace vision endures. Sharif closed: “We will work with all partners to ensure everlasting peace in Palestine.” This window, fragile yet promising, tests global resolve on October 4, 2025, at 4:35 PM.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, October 4th, 2025
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