Pakistan equates Israel’s siege, bombardment of Gaza
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has strongly criticized the continuous airstrikes and total blockade of Gaza by Israeli forces likening the unfolding humanitarian disaster to a genocide of Palestinians.
Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbasi Jillani stated on Sunday “We also condemn the siege of Gaza which is very unfortunate that they have no water health facility and food which is creating a major humanitarian crisis that can be equated with genocide.”
The foreign minister made these comments during a media address at the Foreign Office in Islamabad.
These remarks come as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens due to a complete blockade enforced by Israel in response to a surprise attack by Hamas on Israeli cities.
Israel has issued warnings to around 1.1 million Gazans residing in the northern part of the Palestinian territory to move to the south in anticipation of a ground incursion which the military has indicated will focus on Gaza City where the leadership of the Hamas group is located.
Health authorities in Gaza have reported that Israel’s airstrikes have resulted in over 2200 casualties with a substantial number of them being civilians.
“[…] this is genocide being committed by Israel against the poor people of Palestine. There is no doubt that Israel has committed aggression” said the foreign minister referring to the situation in the besieged region.
FM Jillani also called on Israel to respect international law and UN resolutions regarding Palestine which acknowledge the Palestinians’ right to self-determination.
The foreign minister stated that the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel is a result of seven decades of illegal occupation of Palestinian territories by Israeli forces.
“Any attempt to equate Israel which is the aggressor with the Palestinian struggle is unacceptable for Pakistan. Pakistan would demand that the Palestinian right to self-determination must be respected” he added.
The FM also emphasized the need to vacate the occupied Palestinian territories in accordance with UN resolutions for a two-state solution. “The separate state status should be accepted not only by Israel but also by the international community with pre-1967 borders and Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. This is Pakistan’s consistent position.”
Pakistan is also in contact with the UN and international aid agencies to provide immediate humanitarian assistance to the besieged people of Gaza.
‘Situation is catastrophic’ Israeli forces prepared for a ground assault on the Gaza Strip on Sunday as the country vowed to eliminate Hamas fighters in retaliation for an incursion by its fighters into Israeli towns eight days ago.
Before launching a ground assault Israel ordered over one million Palestinians in the northern part of Gaza to evacuate and relocate to the south.
As a result humanitarian organizations have expressed deep concerns about the impending crisis that may unfold.
Alarm has grown over the fate of Palestinian civilians in blockaded and besieged Gaza one of the world’s most densely populated areas with a population of 2.4 million. If it becomes the scene of intense urban combat and house-to-house fighting there could be dire consequences.
Aid agencies have stated that forcing Gazans to move is impossible during the ongoing conflict but with food water fuel and medical supplies dwindling due to an Israeli blockade they warn of a deepening humanitarian crisis.
“The situation is catastrophic” said Jumaa Nasser who traveled from Beit Lahia in northern Gaza with his wife mother and seven children. “We’ve had no food or sleep. We don’t know what to do. I’ve given my fate up to God.”
On the diplomatic front Chinese envoy Zhai Jun will visit the Middle East next week to push for a ceasefire and promote peace talks. Saudi Arabia has also called for an “immediate ceasefire” and Russia has requested a UN Security Council vote on its ceasefire resolution.
International aid agencies including the UN and the Red Cross along with various foreign diplomats are concerned about the feasibility of the evacuation plan.
“We fear an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe” said Ivan Karakashian of the Norwegian Refugee Council.
More than 423000 Palestinians have already left their homes and 5540 homes have been destroyed according to the United Nations.
Conclusion
Pakistan has vehemently condemned the ongoing Israeli airstrikes and complete blockade of Gaza equating the dire humanitarian crisis with a genocide of the Palestinian people. Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbasi Jillani strongly criticized Israel’s actions and called for respect for international law and UN resolutions particularly recognizing the Palestinians’ right to self-determination.
The situation in Gaza has become increasingly catastrophic with Israel’s military actions causing significant casualties and widespread suffering among the civilian population. As Israel prepares for a ground assault concerns are mounting over the humanitarian crisis given the densely populated nature of the region and the challenges faced by aid agencies.
International diplomatic efforts are underway to secure a ceasefire and promote peace talks emphasizing the urgency of addressing this dire situation. The international community closely monitors these developments advocating for a resolution that ensures the protection and well-being of all civilians affected by the conflict.
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