ISLAMABAD, March 29: Pakistan on Friday expressed grave concern over the situation in the Middle East and said Israel’s re-occupation of Palestinian Authority territories constituted a serious threat to regional peace and security.

In a strong-worded statement issued by the Foreign Office, Pakistan said actions of Israel to re-occupy the Palestinian territories had put into jeopardy the efforts of the international community for the resumption of peace negotiations.

Pakistan called upon the international community to urge Israel to immediately halt its attacks on the Palestinian Authority and resume peace negotiations.

Expressing grave concern over the aggressive actions taken by Israel in surrounding and attacking Palestinian President Yasser Arafat’s Ramallah Headquarters and the decision to completely isolate him, Pakistan said the actions constituted a threat to regional security.

The statement said Pakistan had already welcomed the Beirut Declaration which also received the support of the international community.

Showing disappointment at Israel’s rejection of the most constructive peace proposal, Pakistan said the Beirut Declaration manifested the sincerity of the Arab countries to bring about a durable peace settlement in the region.