Pakistan’s Foreign Office condemned recent Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, citing the death of hundreds, including women and children. The attacks threaten the ceasefire established in January, risking renewed violence in a long-standing conflict. Pakistan calls for international efforts to cease hostilities and negotiate peace.
Pakistan has condemned the recent Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, which have resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Palestinians, including many women and children. The Pakistani Foreign Office expressed deep concerns regarding the escalating violence and the potential for renewed instability in the region, particularly threatening the existing ceasefire with Hamas.
Early Tuesday, Israel executed airstrikes in the Gaza Strip that reportedly killed over 300 individuals, indicating a severe escalation in the ongoing conflict. This military action jeopardizes the ceasefire established in January, raising fears of a complete resurgence of war, as Israeli officials signal that their operations may expand further.
The Foreign Office of Pakistan labeled these strikes a “horrific act of aggression” that coincides with the holy month of Ramadan, emphasizing that such actions constitute a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement. The statement highlighted that the attacks pose a dangerous risk of destabilizing the entire region once again.
The unexpected bombardment disrupted a fragile peace during Ramadan and rekindled fears of escalating hostilities in a war that has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians. Concerns are also mounting about the welfare of approximately two dozen Israeli hostages, believed to still be in the custody of Hamas.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated that the strikes were initiated due to unsatisfactory progress in negotiations intended to extend the ceasefire. The White House has voiced its support for Israel’s military actions after being consulted on the matter.
A senior Hamas official criticized Netanyahu’s choice to renew combat operations, characterizing it as a “death sentence” for the hostages remaining in captivity, and urged for transparency regarding the breach of the truce. Amidst these developments, the Pakistani Foreign Office called upon the international community to intervene by ceasing violence and to engage in diplomatic efforts aimed at establishing a lasting peace in Gaza and the broader Middle East.
The conflict escalated following Hamas’ attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which claimed 1,200 Israeli lives and resulted in over 200 individuals being taken as hostages. The ensuing Israeli response has led to the deaths of around 50,000 Palestinians, significantly displacing the population of Gaza and leaving the area devastated. A temporary ceasefire was reached on January 19, which allowed for hostage exchanges between the two sides.
Pakistan has denounced the recent Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, describing them as a severe violation of the ceasefire occurring during Ramadan. The strikes raise significant humanitarian concerns, highlighting the ongoing conflict’s potential return and the precarious situation of hostages. Pakistan urges international intervention for an immediate cessation of violence and a return to diplomatic negotiations for lasting peace in the region.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
