Shehbaz welcomes Hamas response, says Gaza ceasefire ‘closer than ever’

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said that a ceasefire in Gaza appears closer than at any time since the conflict began, reaffirming Pakistan’s ‘unwavering’ support for the Palestinian people.

The statements came as Hamas, the Palestinian group that controls Gaza, on Friday accepted certain key parts of US President Donald Trump’s plan — including ending the war, Israel’s withdrawal, and the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian captives.

According to Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office, Israel is preparing for the ‘immediate implementation’ of the first stage of Trump’s Gaza plan, following Hamas’s response, to secure the release of Israeli hostages.

Read More: Hamas says it agrees to release Israeli hostages

Shortly afterward, Israeli media reported that the country’s political leadership had instructed the military to reduce offensive activity in Gaza.

In a post on X, Prime Minister Shehbaz hailed the development, saying the Gaza ceasefire is closer than ever. “Alhamdulillah, we are closer to a ceasefire than we have ever been since this genocide was launched by Israel on the Palestinian people. Pakistan has always stood by the Palestinians and shall always do so,” he said.

The premier expressed gratitude to US President Donald Trump, as well as the leadership of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Turkiye, Jordan, Egypt and Indonesia, who met President Trump on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly to discuss the crisis.

“The statement issued by Hamas creates a window for a ceasefire and ensuring peace that we must not allow to forget again. In Sha Allah, Pakistan will continue to work with all its partners and brotherly nations to ensure everlasting peace in Palestine,” he added.

Shehbaz said Pakistan would continue to extend ‘full diplomatic and moral support’ to Palestinians, calling the country’s commitment to their cause ‘unwavering under all circumstances’.

Also Read: Hamas hardline ally signals support for Gaza peace plan

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also welcomed Hamas’s response to the US-backed peace plan, saying it must now translate into an immediate halt to hostilities.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also welcomed Hamas’s response to the US-backed peace plan, saying it must now translate into an immediate halt to hostilities.

“Hamas’ response is a welcome step. This must now result into an immediate ceasefire, end to the sufferings of Palestinians, ensure hostages’ release, and allow free flow of humanitarian aid. Israel MUST immediately stop its attacks,” Dar wrote on X.

He reiterated Pakistan’s support for the creation of “a sovereign, viable State of Palestine on the pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.”

Later, deputy prime minister and foreign minister held separate telephone conversations with his Egypt and Saudi counterparts to discuss the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and ongoing diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire.

According to the Foreign Office, Dar spoke with Egypt Foreign Minister Dr Badr Abdelatty, reviewing bilateral relations and regional developments, with a particular focus on the grave conditions in Gaza. The two ministers discussed joint initiatives to secure an immediate and sustainable ceasefire, ensure the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid, and work towards long-term peace.

Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong support for these efforts and welcomed recent positive developments at the diplomatic levels. During the conversation, he also invited Dr Abdelatty to visit Pakistan — an invitation that was accepted. Both sides agreed to maintain close coordination to advance peace in Gaza.

Also Read: Trump sets Sunday deadline for Gaza deal as Hamas seeks more time to review plan

In a separate call, Dar spoke with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. The two leaders discussed regional developments, particularly the situation in Gaza, and reviewed ongoing consultations among eight Arab-Islamic countries and the United States in New York.

The Foreign Office said their discussions focused on achieving an immediate and durable ceasefire, facilitating humanitarian assistance, and securing lasting peace in Gaza. Dar appreciated the Saudi minister’s continued engagement and constructive role in these diplomatic efforts.

They also exchanged views on Hamas’s response to US President Donald Trump’s proposal, reaffirming their commitment to the Palestinian cause. Both ministers agreed to remain closely engaged with Arab and international partners to push for a just, comprehensive and lasting settlement based on the two-state solution, with East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine.