Islamabad welcomes Gaza ceasefire truce, calls for peace

MOFA described Israel’s expansionist policies as a destabilising factor for the entire region.

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Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has welcomed the ceasefire agreement for Gaza that was reached between Israel and Hamas on 15 January 2025,

MOFA expressed hope that the truce, announced by Qatar and the US, would pave the way for a permanent ceasefire and enable the scaling up of humanitarian assistance to affected Palestinians.

Condemning the “indiscriminate use of force” by Israeli forces, Islamabad highlighted the unprecedented loss of lives, displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, and widespread destruction of property.

It described Israel’s expansionist policies as a destabilising factor for the entire region.

“Pakistan reiterates its unwavering support for a just, comprehensive, and durable solution to the Palestinian issue,” the statement read.

Islamabad advocates for the establishment of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

Gaza peace in sight as Hamas, Israel sign ceasefire deal

Qatar and the United States announced on Wednesday the agreement on a ceasefire deal to pause the 15-month devastating war in the Gaza enclave from Sunday after Hamas and Israel agreed to a hostage and prisoner exchange.

Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, Hamas acting Gaza chief Khalil al-Hayya, US President Joe Biden as well as the president elect, Donald Trump confirmed the ceasefire deal following intensive talks in the Qatari capital.

However, confirmation of the deal was still awaited from the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israeli officials said that the final details were still being sorted out, while President Isaac Herzog made an appeal to Netanyahu approve the deal when it was brought before him.

Announcing the deal, US President Joe Biden said that a six-week ceasefire would allow for negotiations to bring about a permanent end to the war, adding that it would halt the fighting in Gaza, surge much-needed humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians, and reunite the hostages with their families.