ISLAMABAD, JUNE 17, SPA -- Pakistan has expressed deep concern over the internecine conflict in Gaza that resulted in the tragic loss of scores of lives, said a Pakistan Foreign Ministry statement. Pakistan called upon the Palestinian leadership to make renewed efforts to avert these negative developments by controlling the fratricidal fighting and joining hands to allow the Palestinian people a unified voice. The statement said this strife has deepened the rift between Fatah and Hamas and has led to President Mahmoud Abbas's declaration of a state of emergency. According to it, Pakistan urged the Palestinian factions to exercise restraint, accord respect to legitimate institutions in Palestine and resume reconciliation talks to settle their disputes. "This is imperative for putting an end to the sufferings of the Palestinian people and for the revival of the peace process," the statement said. "It is important that all sides in Palestine respect the commitment to the Makkah agreement that had helped foster the establishment of the Palestinian national unity government."--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/459518