ISLAMABAD/RIYADH:Reaffirming their shared commitment to the Palestinian cause, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud on Saturday discussed recent developments, including Hamas’ response to the ceasefire proposal put forward by US President Donald Trump.
During their telephone conversation, both sides agreed to remain closely engaged with Arab and Islamic partners as well as the broader international community to advance a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace based on the two-state solution.
The two ministers reviewed ongoing diplomatic efforts, including consultations among the eight Arab-Islamic countries and the United States in New York, aimed at achieving an immediate and durable ceasefire in Gaza, ensuring unhindered humanitarian access, and paving the way for long-term stability in the region.
Dar appreciated the Saudi foreign minister’s “continued engagement and constructive role” in advancing these peace efforts.
The development came shortly after Hamas announced its readiness to release all hostages held in Gaza in accordance with the exchange formula outlined in President Trump’s ceasefire proposal.
“The movement announces its approval for the release of all hostages living and remains according to the exchange formula included in President Trump’s proposal, Hamas said in a statement, adding that it was ready to enter negotiations to discuss the details.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed optimism, saying Hamas’ statement creates a window for a ceasefire and ensuring peace that we must not allow to close again.
Alhamdolillah, we are closer to a ceasefire than we have been since this genocide was launched on the Palestinian people, the prime minister wrote on X (formerly Twitter). He also thanked President Trump and the leaderships of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Turkiye, Jordan, Egypt, and Indonesia for their constructive roles in advancing the peace process.
In a press release, the Foreign Office welcomed Hamas’ response, calling it an important opportunity to secure an immediate ceasefire, end the bloodshed of innocent Palestinians in Gaza, release hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and pave the way for a credible political process toward lasting peace.