PM Shehbaz praises Gaza ceasefire as step toward ‘lasting peace’

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday lauded the successful negotiations on the peace plan for Gaza, as the first phase of the ceasefire was set in motion following an agreement between Hamas and Israel.

In a statement on X, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the deal as “a step toward lasting peace in the Middle East,” and praised US President Donald Trump’s “unwavering commitment to world peace.”

“Most of all, we must pay tribute to the Palestinian people, who have suffered in an unprecedented manner, one that should never, ever be repeated,” he added.

The Prime Minister also condemned the recent actions of Israeli Minister Ben Gvir for praying at the Al-Aqsa Mosque. He stated that the occupiers and illegal settlers must be held accountable, warning that such provocations could hinder progress on Trump’s peace plan.

He pledged that Pakistan will continue its cooperation with the international community and uphold its stance to protect the lives and dignity of the Palestinian people, in line with UN resolutions.

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.

President Trump’s leadership throughout the process of dialogue and negotiations reflects his unwavering commitment to world…

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) October 9, 2025

In the initial stage, all Israeli hostages will be released by Hamas, while the Palestinian resistance group has also submitted a list of hostages to be freed by Tel Aviv. Israeli forces will withdraw to a designated point inside Gaza.

Hamas urged mediators to ensure that Israel abides by all clauses agreed upon during the negotiations. A photograph of the Israeli and Palestinian delegations surfaced online, showing Turkish and Qatari officials congratulating each other during the meeting held in Egypt.