Justice essential for peace in Gaza, Dar tells UNSC

WEBDESK: Pakistan has told the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) that there can be no lasting peace in Gaza without justice and accountability, as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar called on Israel to immediately halt the expansion of its presence in the occupied West Bank.

According to Dawn, the remarks came during a high-level UNSC briefing on the Middle East and the Palestinian question, held hours before Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Washington to attend a US-sponsored summit on Gaza.

Addressing the council at the United Nations Security Council, Dar reiterated Islamabad’s position that a durable settlement must be grounded in international law and the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.

“There can be no durable peace without justice, no stability without accountability, and no sustainable solution without the realisation of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination,” he said.

Pakistan backs two-state solution

Pakistan reaffirmed its support for a two-state solution and announced its participation in a new diplomatic initiative aimed at advancing that objective.

Dar said Islamabad would engage in ongoing efforts anchored in the UN Charter and international law, describing sustained diplomacy as the only viable path to a just and lasting peace in the region.

He also expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people, stating that Pakistan stood by their “legitimate pursuit of dignity, freedom and self-determination”.

A day earlier, the Palestinian mission to the United Nations circulated a joint statement backed by 85 countries, urging Israel to reverse what it described as annexation measures in the occupied West Bank.

Separately, the European Union, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and the Arab League condemned Israeli procedures for registering and settling land ownership across parts of the occupied territory. Foreign ministers from several Muslim-majority countries rejected what they termed unilateral actions altering the legal and demographic status of Palestinian land.

Participation in Board of Peace

Dar also confirmed Pakistan’s participation in the inaugural meeting of US President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace” in Washington, saying Islamabad aimed to reinforce diplomatic momentum on the Palestinian issue.

He stated that Pakistan was willing to contribute to multiple peace initiatives, including President Trump’s peace plan, the Board of Peace, and other international forums working towards a negotiated settlement.

Observers, however, have questioned the objectives and potential outcomes of the new body.

The White House has said more than 20 countries will attend the meeting, where President Trump is expected to announce pledges exceeding $5 billion for reconstruction and humanitarian assistance in Gaza.

The Italian Institute for International Political Studies noted that while member states are expected to commit around $5bn collectively, United Nations estimates place Gaza’s reconstruction needs at approximately $70bn.

The think tank further reported that discussions may include the deployment of international stabilisation and policing forces in Gaza, with participating countries expected to clarify their roles.

Regional states including Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Turkiye, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait have reportedly confirmed attendance, alongside Israel.

Indonesia has signalled readiness to contribute to any prospective force, indicating it could deploy up to 8,000 troops by June.