Israel should end violence against the Palestinians and seriously negotiate a settlement in accordance with United Nations resolutions, Pakistan said Friday.
Tuesday's Sharm el-Sheikh agreement requires Israel to "halt violence and withdraw its troops from Palestinian-controlled areas," a foreign office spokesman said at a press briefing.
"But Israeli violence and provocation continue, causing deep concern and indignation in the Islamic world," said spokesman Riaz Mohammad Khan, adding that Pakistan was closely watching developments, including the Arab summit this weekend.
"We, however, stand by the Palestinians and their cause," he said.
"We hope Israel will halt violence and provocation and enter into serious negotiations with Palestinians for a permanent settlement in accordance with the United Nations resolutions."
Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat agreed to a 48-hour end of hostilities during the Sharm el-Sheikh summit earlier this week and the ceasefire deadline was later extended to Friday.
Arafat received Pakistan's firm backing when he met military ruler General Pervez Musharraf in Islamabad in August – ISLAMABAD (AFP)
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