UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan strongly urged Israel to halt what it described as a “genocide” of Palestinians in Gaza. Ambassador Munir Akram, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, emphasized the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire to address the critical humanitarian situation in the besieged Gaza Strip.
Amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the Palestinian death toll from Israeli airstrikes reached 9,488, including 3,900 children, according to the health ministry in Gaza controlled by Hamas. Israel reported over 1,500 casualties on its side.
Ambassador Akram stated unequivocally, “We cannot mince our words; we have to tell the Israelis: stop the genocide,” during a briefing on the “Humanitarian Situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.”
UN Humanitarian Coordinator Martin Griffiths, who recently visited the conflict zone, along with Lynn Hastings, Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, provided updates to member states and called for humanitarian ceasefires to ensure the safe delivery of essential supplies like food and fuel.
Ambassador Akram drew attention to what he described as “modern genocide” against the Palestinians by Israel and called for adherence to international humanitarian law that prohibits attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure.
He also criticized Israel for targeting schools, hospitals, and civilian locations on the pretext of military targets, stressing that this violated international law and amounted to a “collective punishment” of a vulnerable population.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza continues, with ongoing airstrikes exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Israel has intensified its ground operation in response to attacks by Hamas on October 7, justifying its actions by accusing Hamas of using civilians as shields.
Several countries, including Turkey, have recalled their envoys from Israel, and diplomatic ties with Tel Aviv have been severed by many nations. Despite calls from global powers, including the United States and the UN, for Israel to minimize civilian casualties and establish a ceasefire, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected any halt to the military operation in Gaza, emphasizing their commitment to targeting the Hamas-run enclave.
