ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Thursday strongly condemned the indiscriminate and disproportionate use of force by Israeli forces against the civilian population in Gaza and called for an immediate end to hostilities.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahrah Baloch at her weekly news briefing in Islamabad said that Pakistan was deeply concerned about the deteriorating and dire humanitarian situation in Gaza because of the inhumane blockade and communal punishment by Israeli forces.
She added the decision to cut off electricity, fuel and water supplies is unfair and should be reversed, as it would negatively impact the lives of the Palestinians residing in the besieged area.
Israel must end indiscriminate bombing
The spokesperson said Israel must also bring an immediate end to indiscriminate bombing against the people of Gaza. She asked Israel to fulfill its obligations as an occupying power under international law and allow uninterrupted access to humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people.
Mumtaz Zahrah Baloch added the current cycle of aggression is a sad reminder of over seven decades of illegal foreign occupation, and disrespect for international law, including UNSC resolutions that acknowledge the inalienable right to self-determination of the Palestinian people.
She said Pakistan has been constantly warning against serious consequences of Israel’s provocative acts in recent months.
The spokesperson urged the United Nations to play an active role to make the ceasefire possible to alleviate the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza.
🔴LIVE: Spokesperson's Weekly Press Briefing 12-10-23 at Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Islamabad https://t.co/WVBnyczanR
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) October 12, 2023
She was of the view that the international community must work together to find a just, comprehensive and lasting two-state solution with a viable, sovereign and contiguous State of Palestine according to the pre-1967 borders, with Al Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
She warned that the peace in the Middle East will remain elusive without such a solution.
The latest strikes came as Hamas and Israel continued exchanged of heavy fire for a sixth day. The recent conflict in Gaza has led to a significant loss of life, with more than 1,200 reported casualties due to Israel’s continuous campaign of air and artillery strikes, causing over 338,000 people to be displaced, according to the UN.
