Former President of Azad Kashmir and Pakistan’s former representative to the United Nations, Sardar Masood Khan, has said that it is imperative to stop Israeli aggression and barbarity, and only the US can do so. He expressed the possibility of a potential breakthrough in the Gaza crisis after a meeting between President Trump and the leaders of eight Islamic countries. According to reports, Trump is preparing a peace proposal which includes the release of Israeli prisoners, the phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, the establishment of a governing body for Gaza, and the formation of a security force comprised of Muslim Palestinians and Arab soldiers, funded by Arab countries, for Gaza and occupied Palestine. Arab countries have also stipulated against the annexation of Gaza or any part of Palestine into Israel and the preservation of the status of Masjid Al-Aqsa. Furthermore, they have proposed halting Israeli settlement construction. Implementation of these measures would be a significant development.
Khan emphasized the importance of this progress, which would set the stage for further dialogue when the Prime Minister of Pakistan discusses the Gaza situation with President Trump. These points align with the Prime Minister’s potential talking points.
Another significant development is Iran’s endorsement of the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia mutual defense pact, which could extend this alliance to other Muslim countries.
Regarding concerns about Arab countries leaning towards China, Khan argued that the US would resist any such move by its long-standing allies and strive to regain their trust. Recognizing China as a competitor, the US cannot completely sever Arab-Chinese relations due to existing economic ties and Chinese influence. Therefore, the US will at least try to prevent a strong alliance with China. Arab countries, deeply connected with the US, are unlikely to fully abandon this partnership.
On the possibility of a US veto on Palestine at the UN, Khan suggested that a US agreement on the peace plan under discussion, which also includes a ceasefire in Gaza, would preclude a veto. However, no timeframe has been established. Discussions are underway for 2026 elections in Gaza after a ceasefire, focusing on ensuring Gaza’s security. Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states have resolved to exclude Hamas from the future Gaza government.
Khan highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where the siege, displacement, lack of aid delivery, and the weaponization of hunger and thirst are paramount concerns. He stated that halting this violence is paramount, and only the US has the power to do so.