Ending Israel’s illegal occupation, settlement expansion on Palestinian land & oppression against innocent Palestinians are key for peace, justice & prosperity in the region: Shehbaz

LAHORE, Oct 08 (SABAH): Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President and former prime minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has said that ending Israel’s illegal occupation, settlement expansion on Palestinian land, and oppression against innocent Palestinians are key for peace, justice, and prosperity in the region.

In a statement issued on twitter, Shehbaz Sharif said that he was not surprised by Saturday’s events. What else can one expect when Israel continues to deny Palestinians their legitimate right to self-determination and statehood? What else, after daily provocations, attacks by occupation forces and settlers, and raids on Al-Aqsa Mosque and other holy sites of Christianity and Islam?

Shehbaz Sharif said that the world must recognize that durable peace requires: ending occupation of Palestinian land, recognizing the State of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital, and upholding Palestinians’ right to independence and sovereignty.

Meanwhile in a separate statement issued on twitter on Sunday, Shehbaz Sharif said that he was deeply grieved to learn of the deaths and injuries caused by a powerful earthquake that struck western Afghanistan. “My heartfelt condolences are with the bereaved families! I also pray for the early recovery of the injured” he said.