Pakistan wants ‘complete peace’ in Gaza and the West Bank

NEW YORK: Pakistan Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN), Munir Akram, addressed the Security Council on Tuesday, where he demanded a ‘complete’ peace in Gaza and the Israel-occupied West Bank.

His remarks come in the wake of a recently agreed ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel, which the Pakistani ambassador welcomed as a critical step towards alleviating the humanitarian crisis in the region.

Read more: Israel launches deadly operation in West Bank’s Jenin

Akram detailed the dire situation in Gaza, where a prolonged siege by Israel has resulted in a huge loss of life and widespread destruction. According to reports, over 47,000 Palestinians have been mercilessly slaughtered during the 15-month long siege of Palestine.

Over 15,000 children have been killed by Israel since October 2023 when the occupying force launched the siege. It has also constantly bombarded the enclave on daily bases, reducing the encircled region completely dedicated. The UN estimated that it will take roughly 21 years to clear all the rubble left behind!

The Pakistan envoy talked about the importance of implementing all stages of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. He stated that it was essential to restore stability and ensure the safety of all civilians.

Munir also expressed concern over Israel’s action, particularly its recent decision to close the offices of welfare organisations   operating the region. “Israel has no right to close the office of any welfare organisation”, he declared.

Akram Munir also called for the protection of humanitarian efforts aimed at assisting the Palestinian population.

The Pakistani ambassador called attention to the ongoing attacks on Palestinian property in the occupied-West Bank. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to supporting the Palestinian cause and urged the international  community to  take decisive action to protect  Palestinians’ rights.

“We are deeply concerned about the escalating violence and the impact it has on innocent civilians”. #

The recent ceasefire agreement has allowed for the return ofover 300,000 Palestinians to Gaza and other Palestinian territories, marking a huge moment since the first Nakba in 1948.

However, despite the ceasefire, Israeli forces have continued their military operations, including an attack on Jenin in the occuipied-West Bank and airstrikes in Lebanon that injured at least 14.

The Pakistani ambassador’s statement reflect a broader sentiment among many nations advocating for a peaceful resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Munir called on the UN Security Council to take a more active role in facilitating dialogue and ensuring that the rights of Palestinians are upheld.

“The international community must not remain silent in the face of such injustices”.

Read more: Israeli airstrike on south Lebanon’s Nabatieh injures 14

The situation in Gaza remains precarious, with humanitarian organisations warning of a looming crisis as basic necessities become increasingly scare.

Access to clean water, medical supplies and food has been severely restricted by the occupying forces.