Dar says Pakistan may decide to deploy forces in Palestine

ISLAMABAD – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar revealed that Indonesia has offered to send 20,000 troops to Palestine as part of a proposed peace initiative, expressing hope that Pakistan will also consider contributing forces to support the mission.

Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Dar highlighted the recent participation of the Pakistani delegation, led by Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). During the visit, high-level meetings were held with leaders from Australia, Kuwait, Arab and Islamic countries, and the United States, with the Palestinian issue prominently raised.

Dar emphasized that the delegation strongly advocated for a ceasefire in Gaza and the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people.

Addressing concerns over a U.S.-released 21-point plan regarding the Gaza crisis, Dar clarified that Pakistan had not accepted the document in its original form. “We have made necessary amendments, which must be reflected in the final version,” he stated.

According to Dar, the proposed peace plan includes the deployment of a peacekeeping force in Palestine. This force would primarily consist of personnel from Palestinian authorities, with the objective of ensuring a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied territories.

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He reaffirmed Pakistan’s long-standing and principled position on Palestine, as reiterated by the Prime Minister during his UNGA address. Dar also noted that several SAARC countries support Pakistan’s stance.

Commenting further, Dar said eight countries have explicitly stated that there can be no compromise on the West Bank. The Palestinian authorities have welcomed the peace initiative, despite criticism from some quarters. “Those who oppose this initiative do so for political gain. Do they want the bloodshed to continue, with children and women still dying? Their only goal is politics,” Dar asserted.

The remarks mark a significant development in regional diplomacy surrounding the Palestine-Israel conflict, with Muslim-majority nations taking proactive steps to support peace and stability in the region.