Key Takeaways
- Eight Muslim countries, including Pakistan, have condemned Israeli violations in the Gaza Strip.
- The joint statement denounced attacks on healthcare facilities and civilian infrastructure.
- Ministers called for immediate delivery of humanitarian aid and protection of civilians.
Pakistan has joined eight other Muslim nations in condemning Israeli actions in the Gaza Strip, according to a joint statement issued by their foreign ministries. The countries involved are Pakistan, Egypt, Turkiye, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
The statement, released on Thursday, condemned ongoing violations of international humanitarian law and relevant UN resolutions, particularly the targeting of healthcare facilities and attacks on civilian infrastructure in Gaza. It also expressed strong condemnation of the continued loss of civilian lives.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar of Pakistan stated that Israel’s actions were a 'clear breach' of its obligations under international law, adding that these violations threatened to derail efforts towards a political process and re-ignite the cycle of escalation.
The ministers emphasized the need for immediate delivery of humanitarian aid and protection of civilians, medical facilities, and health workers. They also highlighted ongoing settler attacks in the West Bank, unlawful expansion of settlements, and frequent instances of Israeli settlers storming Al-Aqsa Mosque as part of a systematic policy aimed at undermining the two-state solution.
The statement rejected any attempts to annex or impose Israeli sovereignty over occupied territory or forcibly displace Palestinians. It called for a 'serious political process' leading to a two-state solution, with East Jerusalem as the capital of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar reiterated that Israel has no sovereignty over East Jerusalem during a ministerial conference in Amman, Jordan. He emphasized the need for international community, particularly the UN Security Council, to compel Israel to fulfill its obligations under international laws while holding accountable those responsible for grave violations.
The joint statement also highlighted the importance of civilian protection and achieving a permanent ceasefire as key components of any peace process. It called on the international community to take action that contributes to these goals.
