PM Shehbaz Sharif Welcomes Hamas’s Gaza Peace Plan Response

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged Hamas’s reaction to the U.S.-mediated Gaza peace initiative on Saturday, suggesting the Palestinian faction’s statement offered a possible route toward a ceasefire, and he urged the global community to grasp the opportunity to bring the conflict to an end.

In a statement shared on X, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to backing lasting peace and stability in Palestine, emphasizing that diplomatic advancement must now result in assistance for the people of Gaza.

The statement follows Hamas’s declaration that they have approved components of the U.S. president’s proposal aimed at ending the near two-year conflict and guaranteeing the freedom of all remaining hostages from the October 7, 2023 assault.

The prime minister conveyed his appreciation to President Trump, together with the leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and Indonesia, for their engagements on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) meetings.

The premier stated: “Alhamdolillah, we are nearer to a cessation of hostilities than we have been since this genocide began against the Palestinian people. Pakistan has consistently stood with the Palestinian people and will always do so.”

“The declaration made by Hamas opens a chance for a ceasefire and securing peace that we must not allow to disappear,” he stated, noting that Pakistan will proceed to collaborate with all friendly countries and partners to ensure lasting peace in Palestine.

In a separate statement, the Foreign Office (FO) also welcomed the Palestinian group’s response.

“This presents a crucial chance to guarantee an immediate ceasefire, halt the bloodshed of innocent Palestinians in Gaza, secure the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners, ensure unrestricted humanitarian aid, and create a path for a reliable political process towards lasting peace. Israel must immediately stop attacks.”

“Pakistan will continue to contribute constructively and meaningfully to this process,” it stated.

Global leaders and ally Palestinian Islamic Jihad also praised Hamas’s response.

“Hamas’ (reaction) to Trump’s plan reflects the position of the Palestinian resistance factions, and the Islamic Jihad participated responsibly in the consultations that led to this decision,” it communicated in a statement.

The group’s acceptance of the plan could support the freeing of hostages possessed by both factions in Gaza.

Early Saturday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced that Israel was preparing for an “immediate implementation” of the primary stage of Trump’s Gaza strategy for the liberation of Israeli hostages in the wake of Hamas’s reaction.

Palestinians in the besieged area reportedly voiced delight and hope for the two-year battle to conclude after U.S. President Donald Trump requested a cessation of bombing, however Israel proceeded to strike Gaza.

Local authorities reported that Israeli fire resulted in at least seven deaths across the Gaza Strip since the development. One attack claimed the lives of four individuals in a home in Gaza City, while another resulted in two deaths in Khan Younis in the south, according to medical personnel and local authorities.

Since the commencement of war in October 2023, Israel has killed no less than 66,288 people and wounded 169,165. Thousands more are presumed to be trapped beneath the debris. During the October 7, 2023, attacks, a total of 1,139 individuals were killed in Israel, and approximately 200 were taken captive.