Ishaq Dar Urges UN to Review Israel’s Membership Over Gaza Atrocities
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, on Sunday called for a thorough review of Israel’s membership in the United Nations, citing the escalating atrocities in Gaza and the broader Middle East region.
Speaking at the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Saudi Arabia, Dar condemned Israel’s actions across Palestine, Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq, describing them as an expansion of war crimes that pose a serious threat to regional stability.
“Israel’s ongoing aggression is undermining peace in the Middle East. The escalation of war crimes calls for urgent action from the international community, especially the United Nations,” Dar stated, emphasizing the need for an arms embargo on Israel to halt further violence.
Dar reiterated Pakistan’s steadfast support for the Palestinian cause, praising the efforts of the Arab League and the OIC in drawing attention to the crisis. “The Arab League and the OIC have made commendable strides in addressing the dire situation facing Palestine,” he said.
The Foreign Minister also advocated for a unified approach among Arab and Islamic nations, proposing the appointment of a joint envoy to ensure the implementation of resolutions passed at recent Arab-Islamic summits. This envoy, he suggested, would help guide the diplomatic process and push for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
Dar commended Saudi Arabia for hosting the inaugural Global Coalition to Implement the Two-State Solution, calling it an important step toward achieving Palestinian independence and securing a two-state solution within a defined timeline.
He also highlighted Pakistan’s ongoing humanitarian support for Palestine, including 12 shipments of aid to Gaza since last year and scholarships for Palestinian students at Pakistani institutions. “We urge the international community to step up and actively participate in addressing this humanitarian crisis,” Dar urged.
The OIC meeting comes just a day before the second Arab-Islamic Summit on November 11, where discussions will focus on the escalating crisis in Gaza. Saudi Arabia, the summit’s host, has reaffirmed its commitment to mobilizing diplomatic and humanitarian efforts to end Israeli occupation and support Palestinian rights.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who is scheduled to attend the summit, is expected to reinforce Pakistan’s call for an immediate ceasefire and the cessation of humanitarian suffering in Gaza.
The OIC foreign ministers will join other leaders from the Arab and Islamic world on Monday to address the worsening situation in Gaza, building on commitments made during the 2023 summit, which included widespread calls for Palestinian self-determination and international support for resolving the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
