Islamabad: Pakistan and the Maldives on Saturday reaffirmed their support for the Palestinian people on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari emphasized Pakistan's commitment to providing political, diplomatic, humanitarian, and moral support to the Palestinian cause. He reiterated support for an independent State of Palestine based on pre-June 1967 borders, with Jerusalem as its capital.

According to Anadolu Agency, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the hardships faced by Palestinians, mentioning the denial of self-determination and loss of land and peace. He called for accountability for alleged war crimes by Israel and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied Palestinian territories, including Gaza. Sharif also addressed the situation in the West Bank, condemning the expansion of illegal settlements and expressing solidarity with the Palestinian struggle for freedom and dignity.

Meanwhile, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu expressed concern over the ongoing challenges faced by Palestinians, including the violation of ceasefires and settlement expansions. He urged the international community to translate solidarity into meaningful action and support the recognition of Palestine as an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital. Muizzu reiterated the Maldives' commitment to standing with the Palestinian people.

The Palestinian group Hamas and Israel had previously reached a ceasefire agreement with mediation from Egypt, Qatar, and Trkiye, and support from the US. Since October 2023, Israeli attacks in Gaza have resulted in significant casualties, with nearly 70,000 people killed and over 170,000 injured.