PM Sharif says Palestinians have every right to separate homeland

WASHINGTON: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has praised US President Donald Trump for what he described as timely and correct actions that saved many lives.

“I appreciate President Trump’s initiative. Your timely and right steps saved many lives,” Sharif said while addressing the Gaza “Board of Peace” meeting in Washington.

He said sustainable peace in Gaza remains a shared mission and acknowledged Trump’s important role in resolving conflicts.

Sharif credited Trump’s timely intervention with halting the Pakistan-India war, saying it prevented large-scale loss of life. “By stopping the Pakistan-India war, you proved that you are truly a man of peace,” he said, adding that millions of lives were saved because of the intervention.

He also reiterated that the Palestinian people have a complete right to their land and stressed the need for lasting peace in the region.

During the meeting, several countries announced financial and military commitments in support of the proposed peace framework.

Qatar pledged $1 billion for the Board of Peace initiative, according to the Qatari prime minister.

The president of Indonesia said his country would send 8,000 or more troops to join a Gaza force.

Officials from the United Arab Emirates announced a contribution of $1.2 billion.

Morocco said it was ready to deploy forces, while Turkey also announced it would contribute troops to the Gaza force, according to its foreign minister.

Saudi Arabia pledged $1 billion, its foreign minister said, and Kuwait also committed $1 billion in support of the Board of Peace initiative, Kuwaiti officials said.

In his address, US President Donald Trump praised Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, saying he played a key role in preventing an escalation between Pakistan and India that could have led to a devastating war.

Addressing the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace in Washington, Trump also lauded Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, describing him as “a good and excellent friend” and crediting him with helping save millions of lives during the crisis.

According to Trump, 11 aircraft were downed in the conflict, but through negotiations with Sharif and Field Marshal Munir, a potential war between the nuclear-armed neighbours was averted.

“I like Prime Minister Sharif very much. He and the Field Marshal acted decisively when both countries were on the brink. We suddenly reached a deal that stopped further fighting,” Trump said.

“Pakistan’s Field Marshal is a great general, a great fighter, and a strong man.”

Trump said that he used trade measures to prevent a potential conflict between Pakistan and India.

“Both Pakistan and India wanted to fight. I said if you fight, you will have to pay two hundred percent tariff,” Trump said, adding that one of the leaders responded, “‘No, no, you cannot do that.’ Then we reached an agreement.”

Trump also reiterated US support for a peaceful future in Gaza, saying, “We want a bright future for the people of Gaza.”

He commented on international relations, stating that “Ukraine, Russia, and Europe like me” and emphasised the importance of strong ties between the United States and other countries: “I want good relations between the US and other countries.”

Trump that talks with Iran are progressing and stressed the need for a meaningful agreement on the country’s nuclear program, while highlighting achievements in promoting peace in the Middle East.

“We have good talks going with Iran,” Trump said. “We need to make a meaningful deal with Iran.” He added that the most important outcome is that “there is now peace in the Middle East.”

Trump claimed that US strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, conducted with B‑2 bomber aircraft, were successful. “We will know about Iran in 10 days,” he said, adding that “we cannot allow them to have nuclear weapons.”

On the situation in Gaza, Trump said the U.S. and its partners are committed to establishing governance and stability. “We are determined to build a Gaza with proper governance,” he said. He added that more than $7 billion in aid has been provided to support humanitarian efforts, contributed by countries including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and Pakistan. “Gaza is no longer a hub of extremism and terrorism,” Trump said.

Trump also suggested that military intervention might not be necessary in Gaza. “I don’t think we need to send troops to fight,” he said. “It seems Hamas may give up its weapons, but we need to verify this.”

He said that Hamas may give up its weapons, but verification is required, and highlighted over $7 billion in international aid provided to Gaza to support reconstruction and stability.

Trump said Gaza is no longer a hub of extremism and terrorism, crediting contributions from countries including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain. “We want a bright future for the people of Gaza,” he said.

Trump emphasized that the forum, which brings together world leaders to promote conflict resolution, is essential for establishing lasting peace. “There is nothing more important than peace,” he said. “This forum is vital for peace and reconstruction in Gaza. We are doing everything we can to ensure a stable future there.”

He cited previous examples of conflict prevention, noting that Armenia and Azerbaijan chose peace through negotiation. “What we are doing is peace, which is why it is called the Board of Peace,” Trump said.

The US president also thanked leaders from member states for attending the meeting, stressing the importance of collective efforts. “I am grateful to all the leaders who travelled to participate today. To achieve sustainable peace, we all have to work together,” he said.

Trump described the gathering as a historic assembly of “great leaders” and noted that the forum plays an irreplaceable role in advancing global security and stability.

The president emphasized that the United States and its partners remain engaged in the Middle East to ensure peace and prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons in Iran.

The Board of Peace, inaugurated in Washington, is a multilateral forum aimed at promoting conflict resolution, dialogue, and cooperation between nations facing security challenges.

At the meeting, leaders will discuss strategies to prevent armed conflict in Gaza, enhance diplomatic engagement, and foster trade and economic ties between Israel and Palestine.

Trump further urged Pakistan and India to pursue trade and dialogue, emphasizing that constructive engagement between the two nuclear-armed countries would benefit the region.