ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, calling it a “historic opportunity” to end what he described as the genocide in Gaza and secure lasting peace in the Middle East.
“The announcement of an agreement that will bring an end to the genocide in Gaza is a historic opportunity to secure lasting peace in the Middle East.,” Sharif said in a statement released by his office.
The Pakistani leader commended the efforts of mediators and said President Donald Trump’s “leadership throughout the process of dialogue and negotiations reflects his unwavering commitment to world peace.”
The US-brokered deal — set to be formally signed later Thursday — includes the release of captives and prisoners, as well as a large-scale humanitarian aid surge into Gaza. It follows prolonged negotiations involving Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye, and marks the first concrete step toward halting Israel’s military campaign that began after Hamas’s October 2023 attack.
Both sides have agreed to an initial framework allowing for the release of all hostages held in Gaza, partial Israeli withdrawal to a designated line, and the freeing of a significant number of Palestinian detainees.
Praise for Mediators and Tribute to Palestinians
Sharif applauded the “resolute and wise leaders” of Qatar, Egypt and Türkiye for their “untiring efforts” in helping negotiate the deal.
“The resolute and wise leaders of Qatar, Egypt and Turkiye are also to be applauded for their untiring efforts to negotiate a deal,”.
He said their diplomatic persistence had made possible a framework to halt more than two years of devastating war that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians.
“Most of all, we must all pay tribute to the Palestinian people—who have suffered in an unprecedented manner, one that should never, ever be repeated.,” he said.
The agreement, brokered by the United States, includes the release of hostages and prisoners, a partial Israeli troop withdrawal, and an immediate surge of humanitarian aid into the besieged Gaza Strip.
Condemnation of Al-Aqsa Provocations
Sharif expressed “grave concern” over what he described as recent provocations at Jerusalem’s Masjid Al-Aqsa, warning that such actions risk undermining the fragile progress toward peace.
“I also note with grave concern, and strongly condemn, the recent provocations at Masjid Al Aqsa,” he said.
“The world must hold the occupiers and illegal settlers to account and prevent any further actions that undermine the enormous efforts made by President Trump to reduce tensions and pave the way for lasting peace,” he said.
The prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s support for a just and durable settlement based on the aspirations of the Palestinian people and relevant UN resolutions.
“We will continue to work with partners, friends and the leaders of brotherly nations to ensure that peace, security and dignity for the Palestinian people are established in accordance with their wishes and UN resolutions.,” he said.
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