NEW YORK: Pakistan has said that Israel continues to defy the United Nations Security Council’s resolution (2728) that called for an immediate ceasefire; is hampering the flow of humanitarian assistance thus creating the reality of famine in Gaza and has refused to abide by the interim injunctions of the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Expressing regret over the impunity granted to Israel, Pakistan demanded of the United Nations General Assembly, the Security Council and the international community to consider further measures to secure Tel Aviv’s adherence to a ceasefire in Gaza and an end to its “plausible genocide”.
Taking part in the Ministerial-level debate of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on the “Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question,” Ambassador Usman Jadoon, Deputy Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN, delivered a poignant statement that outlined Pakistan’s stance on the ongoing crisis in the region.
Addressing the regional ramifications of the Gaza conflict, Ambassador Jadoon cautioned against the conflict’s spread to neighboring areas such as the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, and Iran. He urged all parties to exercise restraint to prevent further escalation, emphasizing the imperative of halting Israel’s aggression to avert a wider conflagration.
On the diplomatic front, Ambassador Jadoon underscored the timeliness of Palestine’s re-submitted application for UN membership, which, he said, is in accordance with regional initiatives advocating for a two-State solution.
Expressing disappointment over the UNSC vote on Algeria’s draft resolution for Palestine’s full UN membership, he stressed the overwhelming support signaling Palestine’s rightful place in the international community.
The Pakistani envoy articulated three urgent responsibilities for the Security Council: halting Israel’s genocidal actions in Gaza, preventing further conflict escalation, and revitalizing the peace process towards a two-State solution. He condemned Israel’s relentless violence in Gaza, including the tragic loss of over 34,000 Palestinian lives, predominantly children and women, and its defiance of international calls for ceasefire.
Ambassador Jadoon reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for Palestine’s quest for self-determination, emphasizing that UN membership is a crucial step towards rectifying historical injustices and fostering conditions for meaningful negotiations.” He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to a two-State settlement based on the 1967 borders, with Al-Quds as the capital of a Palestinian State.
Ambassador Jadoon commenced his statement by congratulating Malta on its Presidency of the UN Security Council, underscoring the significant role smaller States can play in addressing global challenges. He then emphasized the profound injustice endured by Palestine, highlighting the denial of fundamental rights such as self-determination and statehood as central to the Middle East’s peace and security challenges.
In conclusion, Ambassador Jadoon thanked the Council and reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to advocating for a just and lasting resolution to the Palestinian question, rooted in principles of justice, equality, and respect for international law.
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