PAKISTAN’S Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, and his Malaysian counterpart, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, held a bilateral discussion on the sidelines of the Extraordinary Meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where they reinforced their shared stance on the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
In a post on his official X account (@MIshaqDar50), Dar stated, “By expressing unwavering solidarity with Palestine and deep concern over the situation in Gaza, we stressed the urgent need to ensure unimpeded humanitarian access and a permanent ceasefire to pave the way for lasting peace.”
He also commended Malaysia’s recent hosting of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) ministerial meeting in Kuala Lumpur, noting productive engagements with Malaysian leadership. “We reaffirmed our commitment to further strengthen our fraternal ties through high-level exchanges, expanded trade and economic cooperation, and enhanced people-to-people linkages,” Dar added.
The emergency session of the OIC was convened in response to Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza, with the 57-member Islamic bloc seeking coordinated action to address the escalating conflict. The OIC has consistently positioned itself as a defender of Palestinian rights and the sanctity of Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.
Meanwhile, Israel’s Security Cabinet was expected to meet in Jerusalem today to revisit ceasefire negotiations and the potential release of hostages still held in Gaza. Spokesperson for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Omer Mantzour, declined to provide further details when contacted by AFP.
Earlier in August, the Cabinet approved a controversial military plan to seize control of Gaza City—an initiative widely condemned by the international community. According to Israeli media, today’s meeting will likely focus on reviving talks aimed at achieving a truce and facilitating phased hostage releases.
Netanyahu recently instructed negotiators to expedite talks for the release of all remaining hostages in Gaza. The directive came shortly after Hamas indicated acceptance of a new ceasefire proposal from mediators, which reportedly involves a two-month phased release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.
The Hostage and Missing Families Forum, a leading Israeli advocacy group, has declared today a national day of action. “Most Israelis want their loved ones home. Deliberately stalling the process of signing an agreement for their return contradicts the will of the people, our core values, shared responsibility, and human solidarity,” the group said in a statement.
In a separate development, Netanyahu expressed deep regret over what he described as a “tragic incident” at Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza, where an Israeli strike killed at least 20 people, including five journalists working with international agencies such as Reuters, Associated Press, and Al Jazeera.
“Our war is against Hamas terrorists. Our goal is clear—to defeat Hamas and bring all our hostages home,” said the Israeli Prime Minister.
Those killed in the Nasser Hospital attack included Hussam al-Masri, a Reuters contractor; Mariam Abu Dagga, a freelance journalist for AP; Moaz Abu Taha, a freelancer contributing to multiple agencies including Reuters; Mohammed Salama, identified by Al Jazeera as a Gaza-based journalist; and Ahmed Abu Aziz, whose self-recorded images were circulating on social media. - August 26, 2025
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