At Trump’s Board of Peace, PM urges end to Gaza ceasefire violations for ‘lasting peace’

• Premier Shehbaz calls for Palestinian self-determination and sovereign statehood, calling end to ceasefire violation imperative to preserve life, advance reconstruction efforts

• Stresses people of Palestine must exercise full control over their land and future, in line with UN Security Council resolutions

• Trump hails inaugural session as ‘most consequential board ever assembled’ as $7b pledged for Gaza reconstruction, with US to contribute $10b to Board of Peace

• Indonesia announced as deputy commander of International Stabilisation Force with Morocco, Albania, Kazakhstan and Kosovo contributors

 WASHINGTON/ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday, speaking at the inaugural meeting of the President Trump-led Board of Peace, underscored the urgent need for ending ceasefire violations in Gaza, calling it “critical” for lasting peace in the war-torn enclave, state media reported.

“The people of Palestine have long endured illegal occupation and immense suffering. To achieve long-lasting peace, it is imperative that ceasefire violations end, to preserve life and advance reconstruction efforts,” PM Shehbaz said during his address at the inaugural session of the Board of Peace in Washington, said a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

"It is a great honour, Mr. President, to attend this inaugural Board of Peace meeting. May God reward you and grant you success in your efforts to bring lasting peace to Gaza. We deeply appreciate your unique initiative and dynamic leadership in advancing peaceful solutions to… pic.twitter.com/zJPv7qsXUc

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) February 19, 2026

He added, “The people of Palestine must exercise full control over their land and future, in line with UN Security Council resolutions.”

Prime Minister @CMShehbaz’s speech at the @BoardOfPeace meeting in Washington DC this morning pic.twitter.com/zVMuLPjjWW

— Mosharraf Zaidi 🇵🇰 (@mosharrafzaidi) February 19, 2026

The premier further emphasized the need for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination, advocating the establishment of an independent, sovereign, and contiguous Palestinian state consistent with relevant resolutions.

امریکی صدر ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ کی وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف سے بورڈ آف پیس کے اجلاس کے اختتام پر غیر رسمی گفتگو۔

اس موقع پر صدر ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ کی جانب سے غیر معمولی گرمجوشی دیکھنے میں آئی@CMShehbaz pic.twitter.com/daLwem8vvM

— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) February 19, 2026

Expressing optimism about the board’s potential, PM Shehbaz said, “Under President Trump’s visionary and dynamic leadership, we can ensure a just and lasting resolution to the issue of Palestine. Today marks a historic moment: through your efforts, long-lasting peace in Gaza can be achieved—a legacy that will endure for generations,” the PMO said

The Washington meeting comes months after the board was first proposed in September 2025 and formally established last month. Under its charter, the US government serves as its official depository, and the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace in Washington has been designated as the Board’s headquarters.

A UN Security Council resolution adopted in November 2025 authorised the board, along with cooperating states, to establish an International Stabilisation Force (ISF) in Gaza following a ceasefire beginning in October under a Trump-backed plan accepted by Israel and Hamas. Despite the ceasefire, repeated violations by Israel have kept tensions high.

Trump hails “big day” for peace

President Donald Trump called the inaugural session “a big day,” noting the global attention it has drawn. “We are doing one thing: peace. A simple word, but a hard goal to achieve. We are going to produce it,” he said, commending US envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner for their efforts in Gaza.

واشنگٹن ۔ غزہ امن بورڈ کا پہلا اجلاس

صدر ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ کا وزیراعظم شہباز شریف کا خیرمقدم

وزیراعظم شہباز شریف کا شکریہ ادا کرتا ہوں، امریکی صدر

وزیراعظم شہباز شریف کو بہت پسند کرتا ہوں، ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ

صدر ڈونلڈ ٹرمپ کی اپنے خطاب میں فیلڈ مارشل سید عاصم منیر کی تعریف

فیلڈ مارشل عاصم… pic.twitter.com/2SG5C1BNfQ

— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) February 19, 2026

Trump described the Board of Peace as “the most consequential board ever assembled,” bringing together virtually every head of state, and claimed credit for resolving eight international conflicts. On Gaza, he acknowledged the complexity of the situation but expressed hope that disarmament of Hamas could be achieved peacefully.

He highlighted financial commitments, stating that contributing nations have raised $7 billion for Gaza reconstruction, while the United States will provide $10 billion to the Board of Peace. Additional pledges include $75 million from FIFA for soccer-related projects and $2 billion from the UN for humanitarian assistance.

 ‘Indonesia to serve as deputy commander of ISF’

Major General Jasper Jeffers, the force’s American chief, announced that Indonesia will serve as deputy commander of the ISF, with Morocco, Albania, Kazakhstan, and Kosovo contributing troops. Indonesia has signaled readiness to deploy up to 8,000 soldiers. The ISF aims to field 20,000 personnel and establish a new police force to secure reconstruction zones.

Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem said any international force must monitor the ceasefire and prevent further Israeli aggression, while disarmament could be discussed without immediate commitment. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that Hamas will face a choice: disarm voluntarily or be disarmed by force.

Trump also addressed Iran, warning that a “meaningful deal” on Tehran’s nuclear program must be reached within 10 days, threatening military action otherwise.

The event carried the atmosphere of a campaign rally, complete with music ranging from Elvis Presley to the Beach Boys, and red Trump hats distributed to participants.

‘PM Shehbaz in Washington’

Earlier on Thursday, PM Shehbaz arrived in Washington, accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant to the PM Tariq Fatemi, said a Foreign Office (FO) statement.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif reaches Washington DC to attend the inaugural session of Board of Peace.

(Washington: 19 February, 2026) pic.twitter.com/0NcNsJglDr

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) February 19, 2026

Apart from attending the Board of Peace meeting, the prime minister is expected to hold meetings with senior US officials.

According to a PMO statement, the visit highlights Pakistan’s inclusion in the board and its “effective role for the promotion of global peace,” while providing a platform for discussions on bilateral and global issues of mutual concern, a FO spokesperson said.

All 22 invited leaders have joined the Board of Peace, with Pakistan signing the founding charter during the World Economic Forum in Davos in late January. The summit’s immediate focus is consolidating the ceasefire in Gaza, mobilising financial pledges—including Washington’s $5 billion initial commitment—and finalising a proposed global forum intended to tackle conflicts where the UN has struggled, the FO added.

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🔗⬇️https://t.co/2P4LynS8HR pic.twitter.com/i5ZpM2zyD3

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) February 19, 2026

Eight Muslim-majority countries, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Qatar, and the UAE, are expected to adopt a unified position on Gaza-related issues.