ISLAMABAD: On the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with Palestine, Pakistan reiterated its steadfast support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, condemning Israel’s ongoing military aggression.
In a statement, President Asif Ali Zardari strongly denounced Israel’s relentless attacks on Palestinian territories.
“The global conscience cannot ignore the plight of millions who face unprecedented hardships due to Israeli occupation. We believe that the continued occupation and disregard for international law is the biggest obstacle to achieving peace in the region,” state-run news agency APP quoted the premier as saying.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that Pakistan would continue to stand by the Palestinian people in their pursuit of justice and peace.
Shehbaz Sharif described the past year as a “deeply disturbing moment” for Palestine, marking the escalation of Israeli violence in Gaza and the West Bank.
Since October 7, 2023 Palestinians have endured a campaign of “unending genocidal violence,” he said. He condemned Israel’s actions as violations of international law, highlighting indiscriminate attacks, ethnic cleansing, and collective punishment.
“On behalf of the people of Pakistan, I reaffirm our complete solidarity with the valiant and resilient Palestinian people. We will continue to stand by you in your just and rightful pursuit of peace, dignity, and the right to self-determination,” the premier stated.
Pakistan, which does not recognise Israel and has no diplomatic ties with the country, has consistently called for an independent Palestinian state based on internationally agreed principles.
The country has repeatedly raised concerns about Israel’s actions at international platforms, including the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and has delivered humanitarian aid to Palestine.
Prime Minister Sharif also condemned Israel’s violation of international humanitarian law, which has hampered relief efforts in Gaza.
He called for the international community to take swift and decisive action to halt Israel’s military actions, including attacks on civilians, hospitals, schools, and critical infrastructure. The repeated targeting of humanitarian aid convoys and essential services was described as “unconscionable.”
“Failure to hold Israel accountable for these grave war crimes will perpetuate the impunity with which Israel has carried out its actions across Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon,” Sharif said.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, emphasised Pakistan’s commitment to Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, alongside calls for urgent humanitarian assistance, the safe return of displaced persons, and reconstruction of conflict-affected areas.
Baloch also reiterated Pakistan’s support for a ceasefire in Gaza, describing it as a critical step to de-escalate regional tensions and avert further conflict.
“Pakistan hopes that the ceasefire agreement will pave the way for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza, an end to the genocide, and the delivery of humanitarian relief to the Palestinian people,” Baloch said.
The International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, organised by the United Nations in 1977, is marked annually with events held at UN headquarters in New York, as well as its offices in Geneva, Vienna, and Nairobi.
