Ahmed Mukhtar & Shahid Qureshi
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan witnessed a series of demonstrations and rallies expressing unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people as Israeli airstrikes continued for the seventh consecutive day on the Gaza Strip, targeting mostly populated areas.
The latest statistics reveal that at least 1,799 Palestinians were martyred, including 583 children, in Israel’s recent offensive on Gaza. The Human Rights Watch (HRW) raised concerns over Israel’s alleged use of white phosphorus munitions in its military operations in Gaza and Lebanon, eliciting international alarm regarding the potential consequences of such actions.
Following Friday prayers, hundreds of thousands of Pakistanis from all walks of life thronged the streets in numerous cities across the country to vehemently protest Israeli brutality against the oppressed Palestinian population.
In Gaza City, the Israeli military issued warnings to over a million residents to evacuate and relocate to the south within 24 hours. Simultaneously, Israeli tanks were deployed near the Gaza Strip, raising fears of an imminent large-scale ground offensive.
The Israeli military announced its intention to conduct significant operations in Gaza City in the days to come, with a return for residents’ contingent on a future announcement.
Karachi witnessed several protest rallies and marches in solidarity with the Palestinians. Demonstrators carried banners and placards inscribed with slogans expressing support for Palestine.
In Kharadar, the Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) organized a protest rally condemning Israeli oppression and demanding an immediate halt to atrocities and terrorism.
KP People Denounce Israeli Aggression in Gaza
Peshawar, too, witnessed massive protest rallies against the Israeli assault on Gaza, organized by various political and social organizations, including Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), MWM, Imamia Jirga, and Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML).
Protesters at these rallies called on the United Nations (UN) to halt the genocide of Palestinians, pledging unwavering support for their Palestinian brethren. In their addresses, speakers expressed their disappointment with the silence of Islamic countries in the face of Israeli aggression.
Palestine Solidarity March’ in Lahore
Lahore saw the JI organize the “Palestine Solidarity March” on Mall Road. The rally was attended by a significant number of women and children.
Addressing the rally, JI Emir Sirajul Haq underscored the responsibility of the Muslim Ummah to raise its voice in support of the oppressed Palestinians.
Describing the Palestinian issue as a matter of faith and Islam, the JI chief called for the immediate evacuation of Israeli settlers from Palestinian land. He strongly criticized the United Nations (UN) and the Security Council for their inaction in the face of Israeli brutality.
“Why is the international community, supposedly the champions of human rights, silent in the face of ongoing atrocities against the Palestinians?” questioned the JI chief. He expressed confidence in the eventual defeat of Israel and its supporters in Palestine.
A massive rally, featuring motorcycles and vehicles, paraded through Thatta in a powerful display of solidarity with the Palestinian people. Similar protest rallies were held in cities including Quetta, Zafarwal, Mandi Bahauddin, Umarkot, Shabqadar, Sheikhupura, Tharparkar, Mirpur Khas, Jhang, Rawalpindi, Gilgit Baltistan, Islamabad, and others.
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) organized rallies in various cities, designating the day as “Palestine Solidarity Day.” A PTI delegation led by Babar Awan held a meeting with the Palestinian ambassador to Pakistan in Islamabad, conveying their party’s solidarity with the people of Palestine on behalf of their incarcerated Chairman, Imran Khan.
However, the former prime minister Imran Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, claimed that the authorities barred the party from holding rallies and workers in several parts of the country for taking to the streets in support of Palestinians.
