NEW YORK: US President Donald Trump has urged key Muslim leaders to help broker an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, unveiling a peace plan that seeks a prisoner for ceasefire deal, Israeli withdrawal, and a regional led reconstruction process.
Speaking after a combative address at the UN General Assembly where he opposed recognition of Palestinian statehood, Trump told leaders from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Egypt, Jordan, Turkiye, and Indonesia: “This is the group that can do it… we have to stop the war immediately.”
The multilateral meeting, held on the sidelines of the 80th UNGA, was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Images released by the PM Office showed Shehbaz meeting with Jordan’s King Abdullah II, Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.
The White House said Trump’s proposal includes a phased Israeli pullout from Gaza, deployment of Muslim and Arab peacekeeping forces, and global financial backing for Gaza’s recovery. Hamas, however, is excluded from the process, with Washington insisting only the Palestinian Authority should play a role.
Qatar’s Emir thanked Trump for convening the dialogue, stressing that Muslim nations’ priority was ending the war and securing the release of hostages. Prime Minister Shehbaz praised Trump’s “commitment to global peace,” recalling his role in defusing tensions between India and Pakistan.
While no joint statement was issued immediately, reports by US media outlets said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had been briefed on the plan. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the effort as “one last shot” to end the conflict, release prisoners, and deliver humanitarian relief
