Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan express unwavering support for Palestinians, advocating for a two-state solution with pre-1967 borders. This statement follows a prolonged conflict in Gaza, resulting in significant casualties. Former US President Trump’s controversial resettlement proposal for Palestinians has faced widespread criticism across the region. The leaders’ discussions emphasize the ongoing need for a stable and just resolution in the Middle East.
ISLAMABAD: On Thursday, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan emphasized their “unwavering solidarity” with the Palestinian people. They reiterated the Palestinians’ right to self-determination through a two-state solution, which includes an independent state of Palestine with pre-1967 borders and Al Quds Al Sharif as its capital.
This statement follows a significant period of conflict in Gaza, which has been devastated by a war lasting over 15 months, resulting in the deaths of at least 48,000 Palestinians and 1,200 Israelis. The conflict escalated after Hamas’s surprise attack on October 7, 2023, and while a fragile truce has emerged, the humanitarian situation remains dire, with aid trucks delivering essential supplies.
During Erdoğan’s bilateral meetings in Pakistan, the two leaders discussed recent developments in the Middle East. The Turkish president’s visit aims to strengthen trade and investment between Turkey and Pakistan. Following Erdoğan’s remarks, Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to advocating for a sovereign Palestinian state.
The backdrop to this diplomatic engagement involves controversial comments from former President Donald Trump regarding the resettlement of Palestinians from Gaza. Trump suggested relocating approximately 2.2 million Palestinians to Egypt, Jordan, and elsewhere, while proposing U.S. control over Gaza to convert it into a “Riviera of the Middle East.”
Trump’s proposal has faced strong criticism from multiple stakeholders, including leaders in Egypt and Jordan, as well as significant backlash from Arab nations and Pakistan. Concerns about these remarks were echoed in a recent call between Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and UAE’s Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, highlighting the ongoing regional tensions.
The discussions between PM Shehbaz Sharif and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan reinforce their solidarity with Palestinians amidst the ongoing crisis in Gaza. Both leaders advocate for a two-state solution, reflecting a shared commitment to peace and stability in the region. Additionally, Trump’s controversial proposal for resettlement of Palestinians continues to draw skepticism and disapproval from regional leaders, suggesting a complex geopolitical landscape ahead.
Original Source: www.arabnews.pk
