Pakistan Condemns Israel's Escalatory Actions in Gaza, Calls for Immediate Ceasefire and Justice for the Palestinian People

Strategic Insights -

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar has strongly condemned Israel's plans to extend its military control over Gaza and the creation of a 'Greater Israel', calling it a direct threat to Arab national security, regional peace and stability. Pakistan has reiterated its call for an immediate and effective ceasefire, ensuring the flow of humanitarian aid, end to forced displacement, and accountability for war crimes and crimes against humanity. The country has also welcomed the growing international momentum in support of the Palestinian statehood and full membership of the UN, urging those states that have yet to recognize the State of Palestine to do so as soon as possible.

Key Takeaways:

  • Pakistan has strongly condemned Israel's plans to extend its military control over Gaza and create a 'Greater Israel', calling it a direct threat to Arab national security and regional peace and stability.
  • The country has reiterated its call for an immediate and effective ceasefire in Gaza, ensuring the flow of humanitarian aid, an end to forced displacement, and accountability for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
  • Pakistan has welcomed the growing international momentum in support of the Palestinian statehood and full membership of the UN, urging those states that have yet to recognize the State of Palestine to do so as soon as possible.
  • The country has emphasized the importance of safeguarding the global order and upholding international law, while condemning Israel's actions as a brazen attempt to entrench illegal occupation by coercion.
  • Pakistan has expressed its deep appreciation to all states and stakeholders playing a role in advancing peace in Gaza, and has also welcomed the Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee's statement condemning the Israeli announcement.
  • The country has called for an immediate, permanent, and unconditional ceasefire across Gaza and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, with full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2735.
  • Pakistan has also emphasized the need for unfettered, sustained, and secure humanitarian access to all civilians in need, as well as the protection of aid workers, medical teams, and the UN personnel.
  • The country has stated that Israel must not be allowed to act with impunity in defiance of the UN Charter, international law, including international humanitarian law, and the binding measures of the International Court of Justice.
  • Pakistan has also called for the revival of a genuine and time-bound political process to achieve a just, comprehensive, and lasting two-state solution, in accordance with international law and relevant UN and OIC resolutions.
  • The country has further emphasized the importance of accountability for war crimes and crimes against humanity, and has called on the OIC to champion mechanisms to ensure justice and end to the culture of impunity.
  • Pakistan has also stressed the need to protect Islamic and Christian holy sites against all attempts at unilateral alteration, and has emphasized the importance of the OIC remaining vigilant and united in this regard.

Statistics:

  • Over 60,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children, have been killed in Israel's brutal military assault.
  • Gaza has suffered indiscriminate bombardment, total blockade, and deliberate deprivation and starvation for nearly two years.
  • Famine is rampant in Gaza, with civilians being shot trying to collect food.
  • The hunger crisis in Gaza has reached unprecedented and deeply alarming levels.
  • Pakistan has dispatched a steady supply of humanitarian goods for the people of Gaza.

Sources:

  • [Foreign Office Spokesperson's press release]
  • [Statement by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) in Jeddah]