Pakistan has voiced its support for the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) proposal to deploy a protection force in Gaza and the West Bank, aiming to safeguard Palestinian civilians in the midst of escalating violence.
Pakistani Representative’s Call at the UN
The call was made by Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Munir Akram, during his address at the 10th Emergency Special UNGA Session in New York.
Escalation of Violence in Gaza
Amid the escalating Israeli occupation forces’ actions in besieged Gaza, where over 7,700 Palestinians, including 3,500 children, have lost their lives, Pakistan urged the international community to seriously consider the OIC’s protection force proposal.
OIC’s Call for International Protection
The Executive Committee of the OIC, following an extraordinary open-ended meeting of foreign ministers on October 18, highlighted the pressing need for international protection for the Palestinian people. The proposal entailed the dispatch of an international protection force to shield innocent lives from attacks by the occupation forces and extremist colonialist settlers.
Pakistani Envoy’s Appeal for Peace
Munir Akram called for an end to the ongoing war and violence in Gaza to pave the way for a lasting two-state solution to the Palestinian issue. He emphasized the catastrophic human tragedy unfolding in front of the world, with Palestinians subjected to indiscriminate bombings and essential resources like water, food, and fuel cut off. Additionally, over a million Palestinians have been internally displaced.
UNRWA Staff Tragedy and Strong Condemnation
The Pakistani ambassador noted the tragic loss of 37 UN Relief Works Agency (UNRWA) staff members in Palestine and strongly condemned Israeli air strikes and the systematic crimes against the Palestinian population.
Flagrant Violations of International Humanitarian Law
Akram emphasized that Israeli attacks on civilians, civilian infrastructure, blockades on essential resources, and forced population transfers from occupied territories constitute flagrant violations of international humanitarian law, amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Reaffirming the Palestinian Right to Struggle
The Pakistani representative underlined the importance of reaffirming the Palestinian people’s right, under international law, to employ all available means, including armed struggle, to secure freedom from foreign occupation and exercise their right to self-determination.
Accountability and Preventing Recurrence
In the context of the ongoing conflict, Akram suggested the consideration of an accountability mechanism to ensure that crimes committed do not go unpunished. He also stressed the need to explore ways to prevent the recurrence of such devastating events.
