Pakistan may decide to deploy forces in Palestine: Ishaq Dar

ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has revealed that Indonesia has offered to send 20,000 troops to Palestine, expressing hope that Pakistan will also decide to deploy forces there.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Dar said that the prime minister led the Pakistani delegation to the UN General Assembly, held meetings with leaders of Australia, Kuwait, Arab and Islamic countries and the United States. He added that the Palestinian issue was highlighted in full, including discussions on a Gaza ceasefire and the delivery of humanitarian aid.

On questions about the 21-point document issued by the United States, Dar clarified that Pakistan did not fully accept it and made amendments to it, which should be included in the final version.

Dar explained that under the proposed plan, a peace force would be deployed in Palestine, the majority of whose members would come from the Palestinian Authority, to ensure the complete withdrawal of Israel. He stressed Pakistan’s clear and consistent policy, which the Prime Minister reaffirmed at the UNGA, and said that the SAARC countries support Pakistan’s position.

He added that the eight countries have made it clear that there will be no compromise on the West Bank. Palestine has welcomed the peace initiative by these nations, although some critics oppose it for political reasons. “Do they want the bloodshed to continue and children and women to continue dying? Their only goal is politics,” Dar remarked.