Dar provided a harrowing update on the situation, noting that over 44,000 Palestinians have lost their lives, with more than 100,000 injured and millions displaced
By Asgher Ali Mubarak
ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar delivered a strong condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza during his address at the Council of Foreign Ministers’ Preparatory meeting in Riyadh, held ahead of the Second Arab-Islamic Summit on the Middle East situation. Dar called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, describing Israel’s conduct as war crimes and crimes against humanity, with a demand for accountability for the attacks on Palestinians.
Dar provided a harrowing update on the situation, noting that over 44,000 Palestinians have lost their lives, with more than 100,000 injured and millions displaced. He emphasized the devastating destruction of civilian infrastructure, including homes, schools, hospitals, and shelters, and condemned the severe restrictions placed on international humanitarian aid to Gaza. He also referred to Gaza as the most dangerous place for aid workers, according to the UN Relief and Works Agency.
Dar further expressed his concern about Israel’s expanding military actions, which are escalating tensions in the region, particularly affecting Lebanon, Syria, and Iran. The Deputy Prime Minister decried Israel’s military strikes on these countries, labeling them as blatant violations of international law and the UN Charter. In a bid to help coordinate efforts to address the situation, Dar proposed the nomination of a Joint Arab-Islamic Special Envoy to oversee progress in implementing resolutions adopted at previous summits.
He reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for Palestine, emphasizing the country’s commitment to advocating for a sovereign Palestinian state, based on the pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. During a separate meeting on the sidelines of the Council, Dar engaged with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to discuss the ongoing crisis in Gaza. Both leaders agreed on the need for a united international response to halt Israel’s attacks on Palestinians, further reinforcing their commitment to the Palestinian cause.
Dar’s remarks in Riyadh highlight Pakistan’s continued advocacy for Palestinian rights and a resolution to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, while calling for greater international cooperation to address the humanitarian crisis and work towards a lasting peace in the region.
