ISTANBUL: Pakistan and several Muslim countries strongly condemned what they described as Israeli violations of the fragile Gaza ceasefire and called for the immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces from the occupied territory.
The statement came following a high-level meeting of Arab and Islamic foreign ministers in Istanbul, the Foreign Office of Pakistan mentioned.
The meeting attended by the foreign ministers of Turkiye, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Qatar, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan reviewed the implementation of the October 9 ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
Furthermore, the truce, brokered under a United States initiative led by President Donald Trump, had temporarily halted hostilities in Gaza and provided for a prisoner exchange.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar joined his counterparts in confirming support for a lasting ceasefire and sustainable peace in Gaza.
The ministers jointly condemned Israel’s alleged breaches of the truce, urged an end to its military presence in Palestinian territory, and emphasised the need for urgent humanitarian assistance and reconstruction efforts.
Moreover, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who hosted the meeting, stressed that Gaza’s governance and future must remain in Palestinian hands.
“Our principle is that Palestinians should govern the Palestinians and ensure their own security,” Fidan said.
He warned against the emergence of “a new system of tutelage” in Gaza and noted that all participating nations supported plans for Palestinians to oversee their own security and governance.
In addition, on the sidelines of the meeting, Dar held bilateral talks with Fidan, confirming Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Turkiye in political, economic, and defence areas.
However, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, addressing the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s economic summit in Istanbul, said Hamas appeared “determined to adhere to the agreement” and urged Muslim nations to take a leading role in Gaza’s reconstruction.
He stressed that humanitarian aid and rebuilding efforts must proceed despite Israeli resistance.
