ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday strongly rejected a recent proposal by US President Donald Trump to displace the Palestinian population from Gaza terming it “deeply troubling and unjust”.
While speaking at a joint press conference alongside visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday, Trump suggested that Palestinians residing in Gaza should be relocated to Egypt, Jordan, or other countries.
Egypt and Jordan rejected the proposal while international leaders, several governments and various international rights groups also dismissed Trump’s Gaza plan.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan at his weekly news briefing said that Palestinian land rightfully belongs to the Palestinian people. “The proposal to displace the people of Gaza is deeply troubling and unjust,” he said.
The Palestinian territory of Gaza has been devastated by Israeli forces’ relentless bombardment until the recent ceasefire agreement, killing over 47,000 people in more than 15 months.
Shafqat Ali Khan stated that the only feasible resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict is a two-state solution, as outlined in United Nations Security Council resolutions.
“Pakistan’s position on the issue of Palestine is very clear, as Pakistan has been and will continue to stand by the people of Palestine in their just struggle for self-determination, as well as for the establishment of a sovereign, independent and contiguous Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders,” he added.
Pakistan does not recognise Israel and calls for an independent Palestinian state based on globally agreed parameters.
The spokesperson also denounced Israel’s restrictions on the flow of aid, shelters and basic medical equipment to Gaza, calling it a violation of the ceasefire agreement.
“As per the agreement, 60,000 trailers and 200,000 tents were supposed to enter Gaza, and the deal also required Israel to allow equipment to help clear the way to reach Gaza,” he noted.
Khan urged the international community to speak out against Israel’s blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement and its “atrocities” against Palestinians.
“The international community must step up and ensure that the ceasefire agreement is honoured in letter and spirit,” he added.
“We call for enhanced, unhindered humanitarian assistance to those in urgent need, opening up all access points of supply to Gaza, and for allowing all UN and international agencies, including UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency), to operate fully in Gaza,” he added.
Syria situation
On Syria’s situation in Syria Khan said Syria remained a significant country in the Islamic world, highlighting its cultural influence, people-to-people connections, and historic ties through faith, language, and history.
“We will support any initiative for a stable Syria and restoration of peace and stability after years of civil war,” he added.
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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed Ahmed Al-Sharaa as Syria’s new president last week, expressing hope for peace in the country. Al-Sharaa, who led the campaign that ousted Bashar Assad, was appointed president for a transitional phase with the authority to form a temporary legislative council, while the Syrian constitution remains suspended.
Kashmir Dispute
Foreign Office Spokesperson on the Kashmir dispute said Pakistan has always aspired for a peaceful resolution of the dispute in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and the UN Security Council resolutions.
Referring to the recent irresponsible statements from the Indian leadership, the Spokesperson said Pakistan maintains a robust defence to protect its territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Afghanistan
Responding to a question, the Spokesperson demanded Afghan authorities to fulfil their assurances by taking action against the terrorist organisations operating on their soil.
Earlier in his opening statement, the spokesperson said that Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Mariano Grossi will undertake an official visit to Pakistan next week at the invitation of the government of Pakistan.
During his visit, the DG IAEA will call on the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister. He will also participate in seminars at the Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority and the National University of Sciences and Technology. He will also visit Chashma nuclear power generating stations.
The spokesperson said Pakistan and IAEA have a longstanding cooperation. Pakistan is currently a member of the Board of Governors of the IAEA. He said the visit of DG IAEA reaffirms Pakistan’s deepening partnership with the IAEA on the peaceful uses of nuclear technology aimed at fostering the socio-economic development of the country.
