NEW YORK: Pakistan, speaking on behalf of the Islamic countries, has called to convene an International Peace Conference on Palestine, aiming to implement United Nations resolutions regarding the reinstatement of Palestinians’ inherent right to self-determination, with a focus on achieving a two-state solution, local media reported on Tuesday.
Pakistan’s permanent Ambassador to the UN, Munir Akram expressed these remarks while addressing the UN General Assembly session which followed Washington’s veto on the February 20 UN Security Council resolution calling for “an immediate ceasefire” in Gaza.
Expressing profound disappointment over the veto, the Pakistani envoy lamented the continued inability of the global community to put an end to the Israeli onslaught, which has resulted in the deaths of more than 29,700 Palestinians, mostly women and children.
Acting as the interim chairman of the OIC group at the United Nations, Ambassador Akram delivered this message to the 193-member Assembly.
He said, “The ongoing attacks by the Israeli occupying force on the territory have resulted in the massive loss of life and destruction of homes, schools, hospitals, and religious sites in Gaza.”
Simultaneously, Ambassador Akram emphasized the need for a truce so that humanitarian supplies could enter Gaza and cautioned about the imminent danger of widespread starvation in Gaza as a result of inadequate food supply and basic amenities.
Ambassador Akram highlighted concerns over escalating dangers despite efforts from various actors within the United Nations and the international community. He referenced UNRWA’s report on the repercussions of Israel’s recent calls to dismantle the agency and freeze funding from donors, warning of an imminent threat of mass starvation in Gaza due to insufficient food supplies and essential services for the large Palestinian population in the occupied territory.
Emphasizing the urgency of the situation, Ambassador Akram urged the current session of the Assembly not to merely reflect the prevailing views of member states and global public opinion but to take decisive action to halt the ongoing bloodshed and devastation inflicted upon Gaza.
He stressed the importance of international support for the Palestinian people in achieving their right to self-determination and establishing a sovereign and independent state on their territory, which has been occupied since 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital. This, he noted, aligns with relevant UN resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative. —APP
