Ishaq Dar Advocates for Palestinian UN Membership and Gaza Ceasefire

NEW YORK: Speaking at the United Nations, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar urged the international community to grant Palestine full membership in the UN. He also called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the unobstructed delivery of humanitarian aid, and an end to what he described as crimes against humanity within the territory.

Addressing a high-level global forum at the UN, Dar stated, “The obstruction of aid and the intentional targeting of civilian infrastructure, including refugee camps, hospitals, and aid convoys, have surpassed all acceptable boundaries of legality and human decency.”

“This collective punishment must cease without delay!” he emphasized.

The event, entitled “International Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution,” was jointly organized by Saudi Arabia and France.

The Deputy Prime Minister lauded recent initiatives by various European countries supporting Palestinian statehood, noting:

“We commend France’s decision to recognize the State of Palestine and encourage other nations to follow suit, thereby contributing to the growing global support for Palestinian statehood.”

He called for universal recognition of the State of Palestine and its admission as a full member of the UN, stating that Gaza has become a place where international law and humanitarian principles are disregarded.

“The devastation and loss of life caused by Israel, including the deaths of over 58,000 Palestinians, mainly women and children, represent an unacceptable violation of international humanitarian law, UN resolutions, and the legally binding rulings of the International Court of Justice.”

Underscoring Pakistan’s steadfast dedication to a fair and enduring resolution, the Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to providing substantial support for Palestine’s institutional and human development, going beyond mere political statements.

“Pakistan is prepared to offer specialized technical assistance and support to our Palestinian brethren in crucial sectors such as public administration, healthcare, education, and service provision, in collaboration with the Palestinian leadership.”

He affirmed Pakistan’s readiness to assist in institution-building, including through participation in the Arab-OIC Plan, and any international protection mechanism.

Dar concluded his address by asserting that delayed justice is a denial of justice.

“When justice is denied for generations, the consequences are even more profound,” the Foreign Minister remarked, adding, “The issue of Palestine has had repercussions throughout the region and beyond.”

Stressing the immediate need to end the occupation, Dar said, “We must offer hope to the Palestinian people.”

“The time has come for freedom, self-determination, statehood, and Palestine’s full membership in the UN. This will be the most effective way to ensure lasting peace in the region,” the Deputy Prime Minister concluded.

It is important to note that the UN General Assembly decided last year to hold such a conference in 2025. However, the conference initially scheduled for June was postponed following the Israeli attack on Iran.

Earlier, UN Secretary-General António Guterres inaugurated the conference, emphasizing the urgent need for global action to secure a viable two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.

He described the extent of devastation in Gaza as unbearable, asserting that there is no justification for erasing Gaza from the map.

Guterres described the conference as timely, expressing hope that it would mark a pivotal moment, driving tangible and lasting progress towards ending the occupation.

He suggested that this initiative could propel progress toward achieving the shared objective of a functional two-state solution.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot emphasized the necessity of ending the conflict in Gaza and ensuring that this is not the ultimate objective. He stressed that the subsequent step must involve substantial progress toward a sustainable resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.

He cautioned that the ongoing conflict poses a threat to peace and stability throughout the region.

Barrot asserted that only a two-state solution can adequately address the legitimate aspirations of both Palestinians and Israelis, emphasizing that there is no alternative and that political dialogue is the only viable path forward.

The United States and Israel did not participate in the UN conference on the two-state solution for Palestine.

US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce explained that the conference was scheduled at an inappropriate time and would not be productive.

She contended that the event could potentially complicate the pursuit of peace.