Maulana Fazlur Rehman Meets Hamas Officials in Qatar, Reaffirms Pakistan’s Support for Palestine

Doha, Qatar – Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman met with Hamas officials in Qatar, assuring them of Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause.

According to a party spokesperson, the meeting took place with Hamas’ Shura Council and focused on the current situation in Gaza and Palestine. During the discussion, Maulana Rehman reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to the Palestinian struggle, emphasizing that Palestine is an independent state and that Israeli occupation is unacceptable. He also expressed strong support for the liberation of Al-Aqsa Mosque and the broader Palestinian resistance.

In response, Hamas leaders expressed their gratitude for his support, reaffirming the deep ties between Pakistan and Palestine.

The meeting coincided with heightened tensions in the region, as Israel delayed the planned release of 620 Palestinian prisoners, citing Hamas’ failure to meet its conditions.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced that the release would be postponed until there was confirmation that the next group of Israeli hostages would be freed under acceptable conditions. Israel accused Hamas of violating the ceasefire agreement, referencing recent incidents where hostages were made to appear before crowds and participate in public displays before their release.

The ceasefire, which has been in place for a month, remains fragile. On Saturday, Hamas released six Israeli hostages from Gaza, marking the final group of living captives to be freed during the first phase of the truce. Additionally, the bodies of four deceased Israeli hostages are set to be returned next week.

The developments underscore the ongoing volatility of the situation in Gaza and the challenges facing efforts to maintain peace in the region.