Around 114 Palestinians, including women and children, have been killed each day on average during the past year, as violence reached new heights in Gaza since October 7, 2023. This largescale indiscriminate killing of innocent Palestinians has prompted Pakistan to once again to voice its concerns over the atrocities committed by the oppressive regime.
On the eve of October 7 anniversary, which marks the beginning of the new wave of deadly violence, the Pakistan government has called on the United Nations Security Council to take immediate and decisive action against the atrocities committed by Israel over the past year, the immediate step being measures to ensure a ceasefire and accountability for Israel’s war crimes.
Asif Zardari appeals for relief, Nawaz Sharif calls UN inaction a disgrace
In Islamabad, Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch condemned during a weekly press briefing Israel’s actions, saying that civilian targets like hospitals, shelters, and schools had been deliberately attacked. She described the attacks on civilian targets as “indiscriminate” and “horrifying”, and referred to recent Israeli airstrikes on Khalifa Bin Zayed School in Northern Gaza, a mosque in Central Gaza, and a refugee camp.
“The deaths of innocent civilians, especially women and children, constitute war crimes,” she said, as she urged the United Nations Security Council to impose a permanent ceasefire and protect the people of Gaza from further violence. She reiterated Pakistan’s stance on the need to hold Israel accountable, saying that violations witnessed over the past year amounted to “crimes against humanity”.
APC SHOWS SOLIDARITY
The latest humanitarian appeal follows a series of international and regional developments that have added to the ongoing instability in the Middle East. The government had announced observing the Palestine Solidarity Day on October 7 to show its commitment to always stand by Palestinians.
President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and other political leaders attended the All Parties Conference on Palestine at the presidency. Pakistan People’s Party leader Sherry Rehman called October 7 “a day of mourning”, as she highlighted the moot’s agenda. The president then addressed the gathering and urged the world to intervene so as to put an end to the genocide.
He urged the Muslim world to join hands and provide relief to those affected. Former prime minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif addressed the gathering and denounced the violence against unarmed Palestinians. “Entire cities have been reduced to rubble in Gaza, and families have been torn apart,” he said while describing the situation. He expressed frustration over the United Nations’ inaction, and said that its resolutions regarding Palestinian rights are yet to be enforced.
“What is the point of a UN that cannot enforce its own resolutions? It is a disgrace,” he said. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader also urged the Muslim world to mobilize their resources and draft effective policies, saying “The time for passive observation has passed.” Former Foreign Affairs minister Bilawal Bhutto said the ongoing violence in Gaza posed a threat to regional peace, as he called for a “collective fight” against imperialist agendas.
It is pertinent to mention here that rallies, seminars, and gatherings were also organized across Pakistan to express solidarity with Palestine. On the other hand, world leaders also showed their concern over the plight of Palestinians and condemned the attacks in the strongest of words. United States President Joe Biden called last year’s attack “a dark day for Palestinians”, saying that too many civilians had suffered during this period.
Pope Francis, supreme leader of the catholic faith, also expressed his deep frustration with the world’s failure to bring an end to the ongoing conflict. In an open letter, he criticized the “shameful inability” of the international community to halt the violence that has escalated since last year.
DAY OF VIOLENCE
Amnesty International also posted a statement on the social media in which it called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, reiterating its stance on the urgent need for humanitarian intervention. It also suggested recognizing and marking October 7 as a day of mourning for the victims of violence.