Pakistan has strongly condemned Israel’s renewed military aggression in Gaza, calling it a blatant violation of the recently agreed US-backed ceasefire & urging the international community to take urgent & effective steps to stop the bloodshed.
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, Israeli forces have killed at least 87 Palestinians including women & children, since the ceasefire was announced.
Meanwhile, 2 Israeli soldiers were killed by Palestinian fighters in southern Gaza over the weekend. Heavy bombardments were reported across Rafah, Khan Younis, Jabalia & other central regions on 19th October, despite international mediation efforts to maintain calm.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Pakistan’s Foreign Office condemned the attacks, saying Israel’s actions run contrary to the spirit of the peace agreement signed in Sharm El-Sheikh in the presence of leaders from the Muslim world, the US, Europe & the UN.
The FO called on the global community to ensure full implementation of the ceasefire & the protection of Palestinian civilians.
Reaffirming Islamabad’s consistent support for the Palestinian cause, the statement reiterated Pakistan’s demand for the establishment of an independent and contiguous Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with Al Quds Al Sharif as its capital.
Pakistan was among the 8 nations that had cooperated with President Donald Trump’s administration in brokering the Sharm El-Sheikh peace accord earlier this year.
However, Israel’s renewed assault has raised serious doubts about its commitment to peace.
Meanwhile, a Reuters/Ipsos poll revealed a major shift in American public opinion, with 59 percent of respondents supporting US recognition of Palestinian statehood.
The poll found 80 percent of Democrats & even 41 percent of Republicans favored the move, signalling that Trump’s reluctance to endorse Palestinian statehood stands at odds with public sentiment.
The same survey indicated that 60 percent of Americans believe Israel’s response in Gaza has been excessive. Despite this, more than half of the respondents said Trump should receive credit if the ceasefire ultimately leads to lasting peace.
With growing international recognition of Palestinian statehood by allies such as Britain, France, Canada & Australia, pressure is mounting on both Washington & Tel Aviv to respect the ceasefire & pursue a political solution rather than continued military escalation. #Pakistan#Israel#Military#Gaza
