New York: Pakistan has strongly condemned the ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza and the West Bank during a UN Security Council meeting on the Middle East and Palestine, and has called for an immediate ceasefire and the resumption of humanitarian aid to address the humanitarian crisis.
Pakistani envoy Asim Iftikhar Ahmed described the situation in Gaza as a "humanitarian disaster," stating that the failure to implement UN Resolution 2334 is jeopardizing prospects for peace and damaging the credibility of the international organization.
He highlighted that children are dying due to food shortages in Gaza, and over 500 people have been killed while trying to access aid. He also condemned Israel’s new military system for distributing aid as inhumane and a violation of international laws.
The Pakistani envoy demanded that the UN and aid agencies be given unrestricted access to meet the humanitarian needs.
Furthermore, Asim Iftikhar Ahmed reported that in the West Bank, Israeli military operations, illegal settlement expansions, and violence have resulted in 949 Palestinians killed and over 40,000 displaced— the largest exodus since 1967.
He emphasized on five key points:
Immediate cessation of Israeli military operations in Gaza and the West Bank. Lifting all restrictions on humanitarian aid. Garnering international support for Arab League and OIC reconstruction initiatives. Immediate and practical implementation of Resolution 2334. Launching an urgent political process for a two-state solution.
The Pakistani envoy remarked that despite the 80 years since the UN Charter was adopted, human rights violations continue in Palestine, and the Security Council must take concrete action.
He stressed that ending the illegal Israeli occupation is essential, and now is the time for collective efforts toward a just and sustainable peace in the Middle East.
