ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday called the situation in Gaza a “defining moment” for both the Middle East and the Muslim world, while urging an immediate ceasefire, an end to Israel’s settlement expansion and the restitution of lands seized since 1967.
Dar made the remarks at a meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Committee of Six on Palestine, convened on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly Session in New York as Israel’s military campaign in Gaza continues along with rising violence in the West Bank.
Since October 2023, more than 65,000 Palestinians have been killed, mostly women and children, by the Israeli forces that have also targeted civilian infrastructure including homes, hospitals and schools.
The Pakistani deputy PM noted in his speech the International Court of Justice had described the crisis as a case of “plausible genocide.”
“This is a defining moment for the Middle East and the Muslim world,” he said, adding: “The OIC must press for: first, an immediate, permanent and unconditional ceasefire by Israel; second, provision of unfettered, sustained and secure humanitarian access to all civilians in need.”
He also demanded “an end to forced displacement, illegal settlement expansion and annexation of Palestinian land, particularly in the West Bank and East Jerusalem … restitution of lands, properties, and cultural assets seized since 1967 … [and] the right of return for displaced Palestinians.”
Dar laid out a 10-point list for the OIC, including accountability for war crimes, reparations for Palestinians, compliance with all ICJ rulings, support for Gaza’s reconstruction, deployment of an international protection mechanism and recognition of an independent Palestinian state on pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Pakistan reaffirmed its solidarity with the Palestinian people and said as a newly elected non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2025-2026, it would continue to prioritize peace in the Middle East and justice for Palestinians.
