ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI) marked a year of violence and devastation in Gaza by hosting a special lecture featuring Nader K. Alturk, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the State of Palestine.
In his address, titled “A Year of War in Gaza,” Alturk highlighted the severe humanitarian crisis faced by Palestinians over the past year.
Alturk detailed the trials and tribulations endured by Gazans, noting that over 50,000 have lost their lives, millions have been displaced, and nearly 80% of Gaza has been destroyed. He criticized Israel for attacking civilian infrastructure—including mosques, schools, and hospitals—under the pretext of targeting military sites.
He condemned Israel’s blatant disregard for diplomatic protocols, citing the recent denial of a visa to the UN Secretary-General, effectively declaring him persona non grata. This action, he argued, reflects a broader pattern of apartheid in Israel.
According to Alturk, international law grants besieged Palestinians the right to self-defense. He described Gaza, a territory of just 365 km, as being in ruins, with over a million people displaced and the remaining population squeezed into less than 30 km of livable space.
Alturk also addressed the tactics employed by Israel and the United States to manipulate the concept of the “Right to Return” for Palestinians, as outlined in UN resolutions.
He lamented the failure of international organizations, particularly the UN Security Council, to uphold their mandate for maintaining global security, stating that the past year of destruction has exposed their inadequacies.
In response to a question about Palestine’s future, Alturk affirmed that the legitimate Palestinian government is actively pursuing statehood through legal and diplomatic channels. He expressed concern over the escalating conflict in the region, particularly following tensions in Lebanon and Iran’s retaliatory actions against Israel. He emphasized the shared struggle of Palestinians and Lebanese in their fight for survival.
Alturk called for full United Nations membership for Palestine and supported proposals to suspend Israel’s UN membership. He stressed the necessity of ending the conflict rather than merely managing it and condemned the role of the U.S. and its allies in enabling Israeli aggression for geopolitical reasons.
He also highlighted the importance of Palestinian unity and praised China for its efforts in facilitating dialogue among various Palestinian factions.
In his welcome address, IPRI President Amb. Dr. Raza Muhammad reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with the Palestinian people, describing Israel’s actions over the past year as genocide.
He underscored the urgent need to advocate for Palestinian statehood at all levels, emphasizing the importance of realizing a Two-State solution in the volatile Middle East.
