Pakistan and Muslim nations urge Israel to exit Gaza

Islamabad: Pakistan, along with multiple Arab and Islamic nations, has urged Israel to withdraw from the Occupied Palestinian Territories and called for the immediate reconstruction of Gaza.

Turkey hosted the meeting and urged Muslim nations to use their diplomatic influence to support Gaza’s rebuilding efforts and strengthen the ceasefire. Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Ishaq Dar, attended the talks along with representatives from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Jordan, Indonesia, and Turkey. The ministers discussed steps toward a lasting truce, long-term peace, and urgent humanitarian relief for Palestinians.

They strongly condemned Israel for breaching the ceasefire terms and demanded its withdrawal from the occupied Palestinian territories. The countries also agreed that immediate and sustained humanitarian aid must reach Gaza, stressing that rebuilding efforts need to begin without delay.

Pakistan reaffirmed its long-standing stance in support of an independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as the capital, in accordance with UN and OIC resolutions. The ministers explored a proposal to form a monitoring force that could oversee the ceasefire’s implementation on the ground. Earlier, leaders from these countries had met U.S. President Donald Trump in New York ahead of the ceasefire’s announcement to push for diplomatic pressure on all parties.

During the Istanbul briefing, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said the agreement faced challenges because Israel continued to violate its commitments and restrict aid access. He emphasized that Israel must allow sufficient humanitarian supplies into Gaza to avoid further suffering and keep the truce in place. The meeting ended with a united call for stronger international action to ensure peace and protection for Palestinians.