JEDDAH: Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has advocated for the imposition of trade and oil sanctions on Israel due to its ongoing military actions in Gaza, which have intensified tensions in the Middle East.
Addressing the extraordinary Open-Ended Meeting of the OIC Executive Committee in Jeddah on Wednesday, Dar warned that if Israel’s leadership continues to ignore demands for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation may take collective measures, including sanctions.
The meeting, held in response to Israel’s actions, focused on discussing its aggression against Palestinians and the recent assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. Dar highlighted the severe humanitarian impact of the conflict, noting that over 40,000 Palestinians have been killed and more than 91,000 injured, with a significant number being women and children.
Dar proposed that control of the Rafah crossing be returned to Egypt to facilitate the delivery of essential humanitarian aid, including food, medicine, and energy, to Gaza. He also called for Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza and the initiation of reconstruction efforts, in line with the UN Security Council’s plan.
He emphasized the urgent need for Palestine to be granted full UN membership and for diplomatic efforts to establish a two-state solution, with an independent Palestinian state based on the pre-1967 borders and Jerusalem as its capital. Dar also urged the establishment of an international judicial mechanism to seek restitution and accountability for Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Dar condemned the assassination of Haniyeh and criticized Israeli leaders for seeking to prolong the conflict for political gain. He expressed solidarity with Iran and the Palestinian people, asserting that Pakistan’s upcoming UNSC term will prioritize global peace and address critical disputes, particularly the Palestinian issue and Jammu & Kashmir.
