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Under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s directives, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has recently dispatched another consignment of humanitarian aid to Palestine. This latest shipment, consisting of 100 tonnes of food items including dates, flour, rice, and cooking oil, was airlifted from Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore and sent via chartered flight to Egypt for onward delivery to Gaza.
This brings the total volume of humanitarian assistance dispatched through 29 consignments now reaching 2,827 tonnes. The shipment follows a previous consignment sent on Monday that carried 100 tonnes of tents and tarpaulins—a move in line with Pakistan’s ongoing commitment to providing relief to Palestine.
Pakistan began dispatching its aid flights via Egypt soon after the conflict escalated between Hamas and Israel in October 2023, following Hamas’s attacks on Israel. The first batch of humanitarian assistance departed Islamabad for Egypt on October 19, 2023. In January 2024, a Pakistani aircraft arrived at El-Arish carrying another 20 tonnes of aid, which was handed over to the Egyptian Red Crescent Society for onward delivery to the Palestinian Red Crescent Society in Gaza.
Despite these efforts, a ceasefire agreement signed in October 2025 aimed at halting fighting and addressing hostage situations has faced repeated breaches by Israel. The situation remains volatile, with Hamas continuously calling for further assistance through tightly controlled routes that have been frequently blocked or restricted.
The Gaza “Board of Peace” was created under a Trump-backed plan to oversee Gaza’s governance and implement what is known as the “Comprehensive Plan.” According to details from its founding document, US President Donald Trump would chair this board indefinitely, giving it legislative, executive, and judicial authority over Gaza’s administration. The structure includes an executive board empowered to enact or revise laws and a High Representative with broad powers over humanitarian aid, reconstruction, and governance.
However, many analysts and human rights experts argue that the Board of Peace resembles external control over Gaza’s affairs more than genuine local governance. Pakistan accepted an invitation from the US to join this body, viewing it as part of diplomatic efforts aimed at peace in Gaza, humanitarian relief, reconstruction, and a pathway to an independent Palestinian state.
Despite not having a seat on the executive board overseeing governance, government officials have emphasized that Pakistan’s involvement is limited to diplomacy and does not imply recognition of Israel. This has sparked controversy among opposition politicians who feel that such external bodies should remain neutral and avoid imposing decisions or controls from abroad.
In light of these concerns, including criticism from Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman about the centralization of control in the hands of those “who created the problem,” Pakistan has not been invited to join the executive board. This exclusion highlights the complexities surrounding external involvement in internal conflicts.
Jamaat-e-Islami has also called this move a form of colonialism, insisting that the armed forces should remain outside Gaza’s affairs altogether. On the other hand, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf urged transparency and public consultation before committing to such an arrangement.
Western countries’ hesitation or non-participation in the Board of Peace raises questions about its legitimacy and potential overshadowing of UN mechanisms. The first official meeting is scheduled for February 19 in Washington, where reconstruction plans and next steps for the board are expected to be discussed. This move underscores the evolving geopolitical landscape surrounding Gaza’s governance amidst ongoing conflicts and negotiations.
The humanitarian efforts from countries like Pakistan continue to underscore their commitment to relief efforts and support for Palestine, while also highlighting the challenges of navigating complex international arrangements aimed at achieving peace in this region.