Pakistan, Qatar agree to host freed Palestinian prisoners under Gaza ceasefire deal

Pakistan has officially agreed to host 15 Palestinian prisoners released under a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, as confirmed by a Hamas spokesperson. This agreement highlights Pakistan's long-standing solidarity with Palestine, as it joins other Muslim countries like Turkiye and Malaysia in welcoming freed prisoners. The ceasefire, which began on January 15, aims to facilitate the release of hostages held by Hamas and includes the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. As part of this initiative, 99 Palestinian prisoners have already been deported to Egypt, with further releases expected. Qatar is also prepared to host released prisoners and is actively engaging in negotiations for the next phase of the ceasefire. The evolving dynamics in the region suggest a potential shift in diplomatic relations, particularly between Pakistan and Bangladesh, amid broader discussions on how to support Palestinian interests.