Pakistan’s mediation brings Gaza ceasefire closer, says PM Shehbaz

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that a ceasefire in Gaza is closer than ever since the conflict began, reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people.

The statement followed Hamas’s acceptance of key parts of US President Donald Trump’s peace plan, including ending hostilities, Israel’s withdrawal, and the release of hostages and captives. Israel is preparing for the immediate implementation of the first phase of Trump’s Gaza plan, aiming to secure the release of Israeli hostages, and has instructed the military to reduce offensive activities in Gaza. Shehbaz highlighted the development as a significant step towards peace, expressing gratitude towards Trump and Arab countries like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Turkey, Jordan, Egypt, and Indonesia for their diplomatic efforts. He emphasized Pakistan’s ongoing diplomatic and moral support to Palestinians and committed to working with international partners for a lasting peace in Palestine. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar welcomed Hamas’s response and insisted that it must now lead to an immediate ceasefire, the end of Palestinian suffering, hostage releases, and unrestricted humanitarian aid. Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for establishing a sovereign Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Dar engaged in diplomatic talks with Egypt and Saudi Arabia, discussing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and joint efforts for a ceasefire, emphasizing regional cooperation for peace and aid delivery.

In conversations with Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr Badr Abdelatty and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Dar underlined the importance of a durable ceasefire, humanitarian access, and long-term peace efforts based on a two-state solution. Both Egypt and Saudi Arabia expressed support for ongoing diplomatic initiatives, highlighted the importance of an immediate ceasefire, and reaffirmed commitment to Palestine’s sovereignty, with negotiations focused on achieving a comprehensive peace settlement including East Jerusalem as the Palestinian capital.