ISLAMABAD: Pakistan dispatched on Saturday another consignment of relief items for Gaza, the country’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said, amid Israel’s continuous ground and air strikes on the Palestinian territory. 

The death toll from ongoing Israeli strikes on Gaza has risen above 23,000, according to the Palestinian health ministry. Another 59,604 people have been injured in the onslaught. 

Israel’s began pounding Gaza after Hamas militants rampaged through southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people and seizing 240 hostages. Israel has responded by laying waste to large sections of Gaza in an effort to annihilate Hamas. 

The fourth consignment sent by Pakistan comprised 20 tons of relief goods for the people of Gaza, who have been under attack by the Israeli military in the densely populated area. 

“This shipment comprises vital items such as surgical/medical supplies, dry food, and hygiene kits, tailored to meet the specific needs on the ground in Gaza,” the NDMA said in a statement. 

Pakistan’s envoy would receive the consignment in Jordan, it said. 

“Upon receipt, the relief supplies will be promptly forwarded to Gaza for distribution,” the NDMA added. 

Pakistan’s Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani, Palestinian Ambassador to Pakistan Ahmed Rabei, NDMA representatives and other officials were present at the Nur Khan Base in Rawalpindi as the special flight took off for Jordan. 

FM Jilani expressed his country’s steadfast support for the Palestinian people, condemning Israel’s indiscriminate use of force against civilian population in Gaza. 

He reiterated Pakistan’s backing to South Africa’s case in the International Court of Justice regarding a genocide of the Palestinian people. 

“Pakistan calls for an immediate cease-fire and the swift delivery of humanitarian aid to the oppressed people of Gaza,” Jilani was quoted as saying in the statement. 

On the occasion, Ambassador Rabei expressed his gratitude to the Pakistani government for the provision of relief goods. 

“As of now, a total of 220 tons of relief goods have been sent to alleviate the suffering of the people in Gaza,” he said.