By Hafiz Rahat Usama 
A Potential Path to Ceasefire
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday hailed Hamas’s response to the Trump-brokered Gaza peace plan, describing it as an opening for a possible ceasefire. He urged the international community to seize this opportunity to bring an end to the devastating conflict that has engulfed Gaza for nearly two years. The prime minister emphasized that diplomatic initiatives must now translate into tangible relief for the people of Palestine.
Pakistan’s Commitment to Palestine
In his message, shared on X, Prime Minister Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause. He underlined that the country has always stood shoulder to shoulder with the people of Palestine and will continue to do so in pursuit of peace, justice, and self-determination. Expressing optimism, he stated that the statement by Hamas represents the closest chance for a ceasefire since the violence escalated in October 2023.
Hamas Response and Trump Proposal
The remarks by Shehbaz Sharif followed Hamas’s announcement that it had accepted parts of the peace framework proposed by former US President Donald Trump. The plan, introduced with the involvement of regional stakeholders, seeks to end the prolonged conflict and facilitate the release of hostages taken during the October 7, 2023 attack. This acceptance has been viewed as a significant development in breaking the deadlock and opening avenues for dialogue.
Acknowledgment of Regional and International Leaders
Sharif expressed gratitude to global and regional leaders for their roles in advancing the peace efforts. He particularly acknowledged the leaderships of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and Indonesia for their contributions during discussions held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. Their involvement, he said, reflects the collective resolve to ensure peace and stability in the Middle East.
Foreign Office’s Statement
In a separate declaration, Pakistan’s Foreign Office also welcomed Hamas’s response to the proposal. The FO highlighted that this moment presents a crucial chance to secure an immediate ceasefire, end the bloodshed of innocent civilians, and guarantee humanitarian assistance to Gaza without obstruction. The statement also stressed the importance of releasing hostages and Palestinian prisoners as part of a credible process toward lasting peace.
Call for International Action
Both the prime minister and the Foreign Office underlined that Israel must halt its military operations immediately. They pointed out that prolonging violence would only deepen the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and further destabilize the region. The need for sustained international engagement, they argued, is essential to ensure that this opportunity does not slip away, as has happened in previous attempts at peace.
Pakistan’s Role in Peace Efforts
Reiterating Pakistan’s proactive stance, Sharif affirmed that the country will continue to work with “brotherly nations and partners” to promote lasting stability in Palestine. Pakistan has historically advocated for Palestinian rights in international forums, and the prime minister reaffirmed that commitment by pledging meaningful contributions to diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a just and sustainable resolution.