ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned Israel for ignoring the United Nations resolution for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza while holding a meeting with Palestinian Ambassador Ahmed Jawad Rabei, pointing out that his government would continue to raise the issue on all international forums.
Last month, the UN Security Council demanded an immediate ceasefire in Israel’s war against the Palestine people in the Gaza Strip during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, as the United States abstained to participate in the voting process.
The development was hailed by the international community that maintained the Security Council had finally fulfilled its responsibility to end the prolonged war that had led to the indiscriminate killings of innocent civilians, including women and children.
“The Prime Minister strongly condemned the ongoing Israeli brutalities in Gaza that have continued relentlessly since October 7, 2023 and called for an immediate end to the genocidal war waged by Israel against the brave and innocent Palestinian people,” said an official statement circulated by the PM Office after the meeting. “He expressed deep condolences over the tragic death of over 32,000 Palestinians, including 17,000 children, as well as more than 70,000 injured by the brutal actions of Israeli security forces.”
“While welcoming the adoption of UNSC Resolution 2728, the Prime Minister expressed disappointment that Israel had chosen to ignore the resolution and continued to brazenly violate it,” it added.
Sharif said Pakistan had a historic and close relationship with Palestine, and it had consistently supported the Palestinian cause at the UN, Organization of Islamic Cooperation and several other international platforms.
He also recalled the interim ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the case filed by South Africa, pointing out that his country had made a verbal statement in support of Palestine at the ICJ.
He assured the Palestinian Ambassador that Pakistan would continue to raise its voice at every international forum in solidarity with the Palestinian people.
Pakistan has so far sent seven tranches of relief goods for the people of Gaza. Another tranche is planned soon after Eid Al-Fitr next week.
The Palestinian ambassador thanked the prime minister and the people of Pakistan for supporting his people, calling it a source of strength for them during a highly difficult time in their history.
