Pakistani, Malaysian premiers welcome reconciliation pact by Palestinian factions

By Aamir Latif

KARACHI, Pakistan (AA)- Pakistani and Malaysian prime ministers on Tuesday welcomed a reconciliation pact among the Palestinian factions to form an interim unity government.

"I welcome the Beijing Declaration on the agreement between leading Palestinian groups to unite and form an interim unity government," Pakistan's Premier Shehbaz Sharif said in a post on X.

Particularly applauding China for securing this "important diplomatic success," Sharif said the agreement "ignites hope that lasting peace can be achieved."

Calling on the world to stand in solidarity with Palestinians and urge Israel to end its brazen violence that has destroyed Gaza, he reaffirmed Islamabad's "unwavering" support for the Palestinian cause and reiterated its call for a two-state solution that creates an independent state of Palestine with pre-1967 borders and Al Quds as its capital.

"Unity among Palestinian factions is essential for a strong and effective voice for peace, justice and statehood," he went on to say.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also welcomed the "understanding and unity" between Fatah and Hamas, saying the Beijing Declaration turned out to be a "very important step especially in achieving rights and freedom for the Palestinian people."

"I sincerely hope that this declaration of unity is really translated at all levels successfully, as well as in meeting the challenges in the future," Ibrahim said in a post on X.

"International recognition is the most important right now, and I urge Governments around the world that have not yet recognized the State of Palestine to immediately recognize it, in addition to supporting this declaration of unity," he maintained.

All parties must jointly plan, formulate and ensure that Israel's barbaric and barbaric behavior is stopped, he added.

"Malaysia is ready to pour energy and sweat in that direction for the sake of justice and freedom," Ibrahim concluded.

The Palestinian groups on Monday reached a reconciliation agreement following three days of intensive talks in the Chinese capital Beijing to end their political division since 2007.

Representatives of 14 Palestinian groups, including the rival Fatah and Hamas movements, signed a new statement pledging to end the division and strengthen unity.