Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday hailed the response from Hamas to a U.S.-led peace initiative as a pivotal opportunity to secure a ceasefire in Gaza, stressing that this rare chance to end months of devastating bloodshed must not be wasted. The premier’s statement came as Pakistan threw its full support behind the diplomatic breakthrough.

In a message posted on the social media platform X, the prime minister expressed optimism, stating, ‘Alhamdulillah, we are closer to a ceasefire than at any point since the start of this genocide.’ He reaffirmed Islamabad’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people.

Sharif extended his gratitude to U.S. President Donald Trump and the leadership of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Trkiye, Jordan, Egypt, and Indonesia for their diplomatic engagements on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly’s 80th session. ‘Insha’Allah, Pakistan will continue to work with all partners and brotherly nations to achieve lasting peace in Palestine,’ he added.

Echoing the prime minister’s sentiments, the Foreign Office described the development as an ‘important opportunity.’ In a separate statement, it called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and unhindered humanitarian assistance. It urged Israel to ‘immediately halt its attacks’ and help pave the way for a credible political process.

The positive momentum follows Hamas issuing a largely favorable response on Friday to Trump’s 20-point peace plan. This prompted the U.S. president to declare that the group was ‘ready for peace’ and to publicly call on Israel to stop its bombardment of the besieged territory.

Islamabad has been an active participant in recent diplomatic endeavors. Last week, Prime Minister Sharif and Army Chief General Asim Munir held a high-level meeting with President Trump at the White House to discuss the grave situation. While initially expressing reservations over certain provisions, Pakistan’s current endorsement suggests that amendments proposed by Muslim nations have been considered.

The conflict, which began nearly two years ago following the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023, has had a catastrophic human cost. Israel’s subsequent military campaign has resulted in over 66,000 Palestinian deaths, left nearly 200,000 wounded, and reduced much of Gaza to rubble in actions described by UN bodies as genocide.