Pakistan lauds UN report on Gaza, says it confirms Israel’s war crimes

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan applauded the United Nations on Thursday for bringing out a report on war crimes in the ongoing war in Gaza, saying it had confirmed reports that Israel was using starvation as a method of warfare while intentionally targeting civilians during its military campaigns.
The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem and Israel, released the report on Wednesday, blaming the Palestinian armed groups and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration of grave violations of international law.
Israel besieged the Gaza Strip and launched airstrikes after a surprise attack was initiated by Hamas on Oct. 7 in what it said was a response to the deteriorating condition of Palestinian people living under occupation.
Israel’s response was widely viewed as disproportionate by the international community in which thousands of innocent women and children have so far been killed.
Israel is facing the charges of committing genocide in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that ordered an end to its ongoing offensive in Rafah.
“Pakistan welcomes the June 12 report of the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem and Israel,” said Mumtaz Zahra Baloch during his weekly media briefing. “The findings of the commission of the inquiry have confirmed reports of Israeli war crimes of starvation as a method of warfare, murder or willful killing, intentionally directing attacks against civilians, forceable transfer, torture and inhumane and cruel punishment.”
“Pakistan believes time has come to hold Israel accountable for its grave crimes,” she added. “We call on global conscience to force Israel toward an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. It is also critical to bring an end to the war on the people of Gaza.”
Baloch said Pakistan also considered the adoption of the UN Security Council Resolution 2735 while expressing hope for permanent and sustainable ceasefire and end to the sufferings of Palestinians in Gaza.
The UN commission’s report is based on interviews with victims and witnesses on both Palestinian and Israeli sides about the events of Oct. 7 and what came after that.
The commission’s chair, Navi Pillay, said it was imperative to hold all those accountable who were guilty of committing war crimes.
“The only way to stop the recurring cycles of violence, including aggression and retribution by both sides, is to ensure strict adherence to international law,” she said.
“Israel must immediately stop its military operations and attacks in Gaza, including the assault on Rafah, which has cost the lives of hundreds of civilians and again displaced hundreds of thousands of people to unsafe locations without basic services and humanitarian assistance,” she continued, adding: “Hamas and Palestinian armed groups must immediately cease rocket attacks and release all hostages. The taking of hostages constitutes a war crime.”
The commission also noted the immense numbers of civilian casualties in Gaza and widespread destruction of civilian objects and infrastructure were the outcome of a strategy undertaken by Israel with the intention to inflict maximum damage, disregarding the principles of distinction, proportionality and adequate precautions.