Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish President Erdoğan reiterated support for Palestinians, advocating for a two-state solution. Their discussions come as Gaza and Israel reach a fragile truce post-conflict, alongside criticisms of U.S. President Trump’s controversial resettlement proposal for Palestinians. The leaders’ meeting underscores a commitment to Palestinian rights amidst ongoing regional tensions.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan expressed their steadfast support for the Palestinian people during a meeting reported by the Prime Minister’s Office on Thursday. They emphasized the Palestinians’ right to self-determination through the establishment of a two-state solution. The discussions came in light of the ongoing crisis in Gaza following 15 months of conflict that resulted in significant loss of life on both sides.
The devastation in Gaza is severe, with at least 48,000 Palestinian casualties recorded since the conflict escalated after a surprise attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023. In contrast, around 1,200 Israelis were killed during the same period, with hundreds taken hostage. Currently, a fragile truce between Israel and Hamas allows for humanitarian aid to reach the beleaguered population of Gaza.
Moreover, Erdoğan’s visit to Pakistan aims to enhance trade and investment ties between the two countries, alongside addressing recent developments in the Middle East. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting an independent state of Palestine based on pre-1967 borders, with Al Quds Al Sharif as its capital, as articulated by Prime Minister Sharif’s office.
Recent comments made by U.S. President Donald Trump proposing the resettlement of Gaza’s Palestinian residents have sparked significant criticism from various quarters. Trump’s controversial plan suggests relocating approximately 2.2 million Palestinians to neighboring countries, which has faced strong rejection from Egypt and Jordan, as well as condemnation from Pakistan and other Arab nations.
In a related conversation, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan expressed their concerns over Trump’s proposal, highlighting the potential displacement of Palestinians from Gaza. This situation continues to invoke strong reactions across the international community, with calls for a humane approach toward the crisis.
The discussions between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan highlight the ongoing solidarity with Palestinians amidst the ongoing crisis. The leaders stressed the importance of a two-state solution and condemned proposals that threaten to displace the Palestinian population. This situation emphasizes the need for constructive dialogue and support for humanitarian efforts in the region.
Original Source: www.arabnews.pk
