LAHORE: Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman met with Hamas officials in Qatar and assured them of Pakistan’s full support for the Palestinian cause, sources reported.
According to a JUI-F spokesperson, the meeting took place with Hamas’ Shura Council. They discussed the situation in Gaza and Palestine, focusing on the ongoing crisis.
Maulana Fazlur Rehman Meets Hamas Officials in Qatar
Pakistan’s Support for Palestine
Maulana Fazlur Rehman reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the Palestinian struggle for freedom. He stated that Palestine is an independent state and that Israeli occupation cannot be supported.
He also expressed strong support for the Palestinian people’s fight for the liberation of Al-Aqsa Mosque and their homeland.
Read: Hamas Demands Prisoner Release Before Further Ceasefire Talks
Hamas Leadership Thanks Maulana Rehman
The Hamas leadership thanked Maulana Fazlur Rehman for his support. They emphasized the strong bond between Pakistan and Palestine.
Israel Delays Release of Palestinian Prisoners
The meeting came as Israel announced a delay in releasing hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Israel had planned to free them but postponed the move until Hamas met certain conditions.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated on Sunday that Israel would wait to release 620 Palestinian prisoners. The delay came after concerns about how Hamas handled previous hostage handovers.
Hostage Handover Controversy
The United Nations criticized Hamas for making hostages appear on stage before their release. Some were also made to carry coffins with hostage remains through crowds.
Israel accused Hamas of violating the month-old ceasefire multiple times. This came after Hamas handed over six hostages from Gaza on Saturday under the truce agreement.
The six hostages were the last living Israeli captives freed during the first phase of the ceasefire. The bodies of four deceased Israeli hostages are expected to be handed over next week.
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