Islamabad has thrown its weight behind the latest phase of the Gaza Peace Plan, signaling approval of a reported Hamas agreement to disarm under a US-backed framework. The endorsement, delivered by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, comes as mediators push forward with a phased approach to ending the long-running conflict. Main Developments Friday's statement from the prime minister's office welcomed the progress made toward implementing the disarmament process outlined in the Gaza Peace Plan. Sharif expressed hope that this momentum would lead to the fulfillment of all commitments under the initiative. Special recognition was given to the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkiye for their mediation efforts, with Sharif stating these nations deserved "special appreciation" for achieving the breakthrough. The progress was described as "a significant achievement for the Board of Peace" under US President Donald Trump's leadership. Read also: Why Pakistan's LPG and RLNG price hikes sting The announcement follows reports that Hamas had agreed in principle to disarm under a US-backed framework. The proposal reportedly involves phased security and political commitments designed to advance a broader settlement. Background Pakistan has maintained a longstanding position supporting the Palestinian cause, a stance reaffirmed in Friday's statement. The prime minister reiterated that efforts should ultimately secure the Palestinian people's right to self-determination through a "credible, time-bound political process" aligned with international legitimacy and United Nations resolutions. Islamabad's position includes backing for an independent, sovereign, and contiguous State of Palestine based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. This latest endorsement continues Pakistan's consistent diplomatic alignment on the issue. Why It Matters The disarmament component represents a critical test for the Gaza Peace Plan's viability. Pakistan's backing adds diplomatic weight to the initiative at a moment when regional alignments are shifting, particularly given the involvement of multiple mediators including the US. For Palestinians, the phased approach outlined in the proposal could determine whether the conflict moves toward a political resolution or remains stalled. The emphasis on time-bound processes suggests a push for concrete timelines rather than open-ended negotiations. What's Next Attention now turns to the implementation phase, with expectations that the reported progress will be followed by concrete steps to execute all commitments in the Gaza Peace Plan. How the disarmament process unfolds and whether it leads to the broader political settlement remains the central question.