By Pervaiz Mughal
ISLAMABAD: Eight Islamic countries strongly condemned what they described as ongoing Israeli violations in the Gaza Strip, particularly attacks targeting healthcare facilities, medical infrastructure and civilian areas.
In a joint statement issued on Thursday, the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Türkiye, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates expressed deep concern over the continued loss of civilian lives, including women and children.
According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the ministers said attacks on civilian infrastructure and humanitarian facilities represented serious violations of international law, including international humanitarian law.
They stressed that the protection of civilians, medical workers and humanitarian personnel was a legal obligation that must be upheld under all circumstances. The ministers also called for the immediate, safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance, medical supplies and relief aid across Gaza.
The statement said the continuation of such violations constituted a breach of obligations under international law and the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict. The ministers urged the international community, particularly the United Nations Security Council, to take practical measures to ensure compliance with legal responsibilities and hold those responsible for violations accountable.
They said the situation in Gaza could not be viewed separately from developments in the occupied West Bank, including settler attacks, settlement expansion and measures affecting the status quo in occupied Jerusalem.
They described these actions as harmful to prospects for peace and the rights of the Palestinian people. The foreign ministers rejected any attempts to annex occupied Palestinian territory, impose sovereignty over it or forcibly displace Palestinians.
