Israeli Attacks
In response to the ongoing indiscriminate bombardment by Israel in the Hamas-ruled Gaza strip, Pakistan has taken action to provide relief assistance. This aid, delivered in the first consignment, comprises one thousand winter tents, four thousand blankets, and three tonnes of medicines.
The relief supplies are being transported to Palestine through a chartered aircraft, with the goal of offering assistance to those affected by the conflict. Israel’s sustained airstrikes on Gaza have resulted in a staggering death toll of nearly 3,500 lives, leaving thousands injured.
This relentless aggression has also caused the destruction of entire city blocks and disrupted essential services, including access to water, food, and power. Furthermore, it has forced over one million people to flee their homes.
Amidst this crisis, Pakistan has expressed deep concern for the well-being of “our Palestinian brothers and sisters” in Gaza. The Foreign Office spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, vehemently condemned Israel’s actions, particularly the recent attack on a Gaza hospital.
Baloch asserted that these actions by Israel violate international humanitarian and human rights law. Deliberate attacks on civilian targets are considered war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Pakistan calls for an immediate ceasefire, an end to the siege of Gaza, and the establishment of humanitarian corridors to facilitate the unrestricted flow of relief supplies. This gesture of solidarity with the people of Gaza underscores Pakistan’s commitment to supporting those affected by the conflict.
Additionally, Israel has agreed to a deal allowing 20 trucks to transport relief goods through the Rafah crossing from Egypt into Gaza. This development is expected to provide essential relief, with the first deliveries anticipated at the earliest convenience.
However, this effort remains essential to alleviate the dire circumstances in Gaza, where numerous aid trucks have been queued on the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing for days. This crossing is currently the only entry and exit point to Gaza that is not under Israeli control.
On the Gaza side, scores of people are waiting, eager to leave, but are cautious and keep a distance of about 100 meters in fear of potential new Israeli strikes. There are increasing concerns about the situation potentially worsening if Israel proceeds with its anticipated ground invasion aimed at defeating Hamas and rescuing hostages.
Israel recently revised the known number of hostages to 203, raising further concerns about the intensification of the conflict and its impact on the people of Gaza.
