Israel has publicly opposed Pakistan’s involvement in a US-backed peace initiative following Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s participation in a “Board of Peace” charter announced at the World Economic Forum in Davos. The charter, supported by fewer than 20 countries, is part of a framework promoted by former US President Donald Trump aimed at addressing the Gaza conflict and broader global peace efforts.
While Israel was also part of the initiative, it has since clarified that Pakistan will not be allowed to play any role in Gaza’s transition process or in future peacekeeping arrangements. The strong reaction came after Sharif was listed among participating leaders, a move that triggered criticism from Israeli officials.
Israel’s Economy Minister Nir Barkat, speaking to NDTV on the sidelines of the Davos summit, rejected Pakistan’s involvement outright. He stated that countries accused of supporting terrorism would not be welcome in peace-related initiatives concerning Gaza. Barkat specifically named Pakistan while making the remarks, asserting that Israel would oppose any such role for Islamabad in the region’s future arrangements.
Sharif’s participation in the initiative has drawn attention both internationally and within Pakistan. Supporters within Pakistan have described the move as an attempt to engage in global diplomacy and contribute to international peace efforts. Critics, however, argue that Pakistan’s inclusion was unlikely to translate into any meaningful role, given Israel’s long-standing objections and strained relations between the two countries.
The “Board of Peace” charter is part of a broader proposal linked to Trump’s approach to conflict resolution, particularly in West Asia. Details of the framework remain limited, but it is understood to involve selected countries participating in discussions related to post-conflict governance, humanitarian reconstruction, and long-term stability in Gaza.
Israel has consistently maintained that any future arrangements for Gaza must exclude actors it considers hostile or linked to militant activity. Israeli officials have repeatedly expressed concerns over Pakistan’s historical positions on regional conflicts and its diplomatic stance toward Israel, which the two countries do not formally recognise each other.
The development underscores the deep political and diplomatic divisions surrounding efforts to resolve the Gaza crisis. Even as international forums such as Davos provide space for dialogue, disagreements over participation and legitimacy continue to complicate consensus-building.
Analysts note that the episode highlights the limitations of broad multilateral initiatives when key stakeholders remain divided over trust and security concerns. While Pakistan’s leadership has not officially responded to Israel’s remarks, the issue has already intensified debate about Islamabad’s role in global peace processes and its diplomatic positioning on West Asian affairs.
As the situation evolves, the focus is likely to remain on which countries will ultimately shape Gaza’s post-conflict future and how geopolitical rivalries influence international peace efforts.
