Israel has publicly stated that Pakistan will not be allowed to play any role in Gaza’s transition or future peacekeeping efforts, days after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif signed the ‘Board of Peace’ charter unveiled by former US President Donald Trump at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos.
Pakistan was among fewer than 20 countries that signed on to the initiative, which forms part of Trump’s broader 20-point plan aimed at resolving the Gaza conflict and future global disputes. Israel, which is also a signatory, has now taken a firm stance against Pakistan’s participation in any operational role.
Israel Accuses Pakistan of Backing Terrorism
Speaking to NDTV on the sidelines of the Davos summit, Israel’s Economy Minister Nir Barkat listed Pakistan among countries he described as supporters of terrorism.
“Any country that supported terror is not welcome — and that includes Pakistan,” Barkat said, adding that Israel would not accept Pakistani involvement in Gaza’s peacekeeping or transition mechanisms.
He further stated that Israel would reject peacekeeping forces from countries such as Qatar, Turkey, and Pakistan, alleging their support for militant groups operating in Gaza. Barkat said Israel would not trust such countries with “boots on the ground.”
While excluding Pakistan, Barkat praised Trump’s peace framework, calling it more effective than the United Nations, which he described as biased.
Domestic Criticism Mounts Against Sharif Government
The decision to sign the charter has triggered strong political backlash within Pakistan, with critics accusing Prime Minister Sharif of acting against national and Palestinian interests.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), led by jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, demanded a national referendum on Pakistan’s participation in the initiative. In a statement, the party said any international peace effort must strengthen the UN’s multilateral system rather than create parallel global structures.
PTI also reiterated its support for the Palestinian people, stating it would oppose any plan that undermines the wishes of Gaza’s residents or Palestinians at large.
Adding to the criticism, Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, chief of the Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) and Leader of the Opposition in Pakistan’s Senate, called the decision “morally incorrect and indefensible.”
What Is Trump’s Board of Peace?
The Board of Peace was formally unveiled as part of the second phase of Trump’s proposed peace roadmap. While initially focused on Gaza, reports suggest the body is intended to evolve into a new international conflict-resolution mechanism, potentially positioning itself as an alternative to the United Nations.
Although around 60 countries—including India and China—were invited to join, fewer than 20 participated in the Davos launch. Reports indicate that permanent membership involves a contribution of approximately $1 billion, a factor that may have deterred wider participation.
Countries That Have Joined So Far
The countries that have accepted Trump’s invitation include Argentina, Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Bulgaria, Egypt, Hungary, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Morocco, Mongolia, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.
India, though invited, has not yet responded or clarified its position on joining the initiative.
