Pakistan has strongly denounced a recent Israeli airstrike in Gaza that claimed numerous civilian lives, including journalists, calling it a blatant violation of international humanitarian and human rights laws.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Foreign Office expressed profound sorrow over the loss of life, extending heartfelt condolences to the families of those killed. The statement reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people during what it described as a period of deep suffering and hardship.
The Foreign Office spokesperson condemned the attack as yet another serious breach of global humanitarian principles, stressing the urgent need for accountability. The spokesperson urged the international community to take immediate and decisive measures to end Israel’s “culture of impunity” and to ensure the safety of civilians in the occupied territories.
Pakistan reiterated its consistent support for the Palestinian cause, advocating for a fair, lasting, and peaceful resolution to the decades-long conflict. The statement emphasized the country’s endorsement of United Nations Security Council resolutions that safeguard the rights and dignity of Palestinians, including the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state within the pre-June 1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
The recent escalation in Gaza saw some of the heaviest bombardments in weeks. Residents reported relentless air and ground assaults in the eastern suburbs of Gaza City, including Sabra, Zeitoun, and Shejaia. These neighborhoods came under intense shelling from tanks and aircraft, forcing many families to flee westward in search of safety.
Among the dead were six journalists, including a well-known correspondent, who were killed when a tent at Al Shifa Hospital’s compound was struck. This incident marks the deadliest single attack on media workers in the ongoing Israeli military campaign, which has stretched for more than 22 months.
Eyewitness accounts described the night of the attacks as one of the most harrowing in recent weeks, with many fearing that the bombardment could be a prelude to an expanded ground offensive into Gaza City. According to local sources, the city is currently sheltering approximately one million people, many of whom were already displaced from northern parts of the enclave due to previous military operations.
Pakistan’s renewed call for action highlights the growing global concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Human rights organizations have repeatedly warned that the situation is deteriorating, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. The Pakistani government’s appeal adds to mounting diplomatic pressure for an immediate ceasefire, greater protection for civilians, and the advancement of a political solution that addresses the root causes of the conflict.
