Trump Meets Sharif, Arab Leaders on Gaza Plan

The United States President Donald Trump convened a high-profile meeting with top leaders from the Muslim and Arab world on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. The session focused on the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and the prospects for a long-term peace plan.

The gathering brought together heads of state and government from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Indonesia, and Pakistan. Among the notable attendees was Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, who reiterated his country’s demand for an urgent United Nations-led intervention to halt what he described as "genocide against the Palestinian people."

Trump’s Gaza Peace Proposal

According to diplomatic sources, President Trump outlined a US-backed reconstruction framework for Gaza. The proposal includes:

• Deployment of an Arab-led peacekeeping force to stabilize the region.

• Humanitarian aid corridors to ensure delivery of food, medical supplies, and shelter.

• A hostage release mechanism negotiated with mediators from Turkey and Qatar.

• A long-term reconstruction fund supported by Gulf states and international donors.

While Trump emphasized the urgency of stopping civilian casualties, he also stressed the need for Arab states to take a more proactive role in the security and rebuilding of Gaza.

Pakistan’s Strong Stand

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif delivered a hard-hitting statement at the session. He not only condemned Israel’s "indiscriminate bombings" but also highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to stand with the Palestinian people.

Sharif reportedly told world leaders:

“The time for statements has passed. What Gaza needs today is action under the UN Charter. Pakistan will always support justice and will never accept genocide being normalized.”

Diplomatic insiders noted that Sharif’s remarks received support from Turkey and Indonesia, while other Arab nations called for "balanced diplomacy" to ensure lasting peace.

Symbolism of the Meeting

Observers say the visual of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif shaking hands with Donald Trump during the sidelines of this meeting quickly went viral on social media platforms, particularly Twitter (X). The clip, widely shared with captions and satirical commentary, sparked debates in both Pakistan and India over the future of US-Pakistan relations.

Analysts suggest that despite years of strained ties, Trump’s outreach to Pakistan may indicate a warming of diplomatic channels, especially as Washington looks for regional partners to stabilize the Middle East.

No Formal Agreements — But New Openings

While no official agreement or binding resolution was announced, the meeting is seen as a significant step in aligning US foreign policy with Arab and Muslim concerns on Gaza. Trump’s acknowledgment of Arab and Pakistani perspectives is considered a departure from previous one-sided American positions.

Experts note that the symbolic presence of Pakistan at the table not only strengthens its diplomatic visibility but also highlights its strategic role in Muslim world politics.

Social Media Reactions

The handshake between Shehbaz Sharif and Donald Trump became one of the most discussed moments online. Hashtags like #TrumpSharifMeeting and #GazaPeacePlan trended globally. Here are some notable public reactions on X (formerly Twitter):

• @AadiAchint: “Sir aap paise dedo bas, Hum Tayaar hain. Munir told me to tell you.” (Captioning the viral handshake clip, which gained over 49K likes within hours.)

• @IhtishamUlHaq (Pakistani journalist): “Historic moment as Trump meets Shehbaz Sharif in New York during UNGA. Gaza crisis at the heart of talks.”

• @MiddleEastWatch: “Trump’s peace plan may look ambitious, but without real pressure on Israel, it risks becoming another failed initiative.”

• @PakVoice_Official: “Shehbaz Sharif’s firm words at UNGA show Pakistan still stands with Palestine. This could reset ties with Washington.”

• @GlobalAffairsDesk: “Arab states cautiously welcomed Trump’s proposal, but the lack of concrete timelines remains a concern.”

These mixed reactions highlight both hope and skepticism over whether the meeting will translate into real change for Gaza’s civilians.

The New York meeting marked one of the most high-profile diplomatic engagements on Gaza since the war escalated. While the road to peace remains uncertain, the gathering underscored a renewed US-Muslim world dialogue.

For Pakistan, the optics of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif engaging directly with President Trump may signal a fresh chapter in bilateral relations, one that could reshape not just Gaza diplomacy but also South Asia’s broader geopolitical dynamics