ISLAMABAD: In a vague statement, the Foreign Office on Friday said that Pakistan's approach would be guided by "our evaluation of how Palestinians' rights and aspirations are upheld and how regional peace, security and stability are preserved".

Turkey and Iran have strongly condemned the deal between Israel and the United Arab Emirates in which the Jewish State pledged to suspend annexation of Palestinian lands, as a hypocritical betrayal of the Palestinian cause.

"We have noted the joint statement announcing agreement of UAE and Israel to have full normalization of relations. This is a development with far-reaching implications," said a statement issued by Foreign Office.

It said that, "Pakistan has an abiding commitment to the full realization of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including the right to self-determination. Peace and stability in the Middle East region is also Pakistan's key priority."

It further stated that "for a just, comprehensive and lasting peace, Pakistan has consistently supported a two-state solution in accordance with the relevant UN and OIC resolutions as well as international law".

A day ago, the Palestinian Authority announced the "immediate" recall of its ambassador to the United Arab Emirates in protest over the country's deal to normalise ties with Israel.

"At the request of President Mahmud Abbas, the Palestinian foreign ministry has decided to immediately recall its ambassador to the United Arab Emirates," Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad Al-Maliki said in a statement.

The Israel-UAE deal was also rejected by Hamas that controls the Gaza strip and is a rival of Abbas's Fatah party. But Abbas and Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh spoke following the deal's announcement, despite tensions between the two camps, a Hamas source said. "All Palestinian factions are united to reject normalisation (with Israel)," the source said.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020