PM Sharif Condemns Israeli Plan for Gaza Control

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has voiced strong disapproval of the Israeli cabinet’s decision to seize what he termed “illegal and illegitimate” control of Gaza. He described this move as a perilous escalation in the already devastating conflict affecting Palestinians.

In a statement shared on social media, the Prime Minister cautioned that intensifying military actions in Gaza would worsen the existing humanitarian crisis and impede any chance of establishing peace within the region.

PM Sharif underscored that the core of the issue lies in Israel’s prolonged and unlawful occupation of Palestinian lands, stating that peace will remain unattainable while this occupation endures.

He reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast support for the Palestinian populace, reiterating their entitlement to self-determination and the creation of a sovereign state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its designated capital, consistent with resolutions from the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

The Prime Minister appealed to the global community to take swift action to halt Israel’s “unjustified aggression”, protect the lives of civilians, and facilitate the prompt provision of humanitarian assistance to Gaza.

The Prime Minister’s statement follows an announcement by the Israeli military regarding a plan approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet to “assume control” of Gaza City, sparking widespread condemnation both domestically and internationally.

Approaching two years into the Gaza conflict, Netanyahu is facing increasing demands to secure a ceasefire to alleviate the famine risk faced by the territory’s population of over two million and to secure the release of captives held by Hamas.

Hamas has also denounced the scheme to broaden the scope of combat as a “new war crime”, while Germany, a key ally of Israel, made the unusual decision to suspend military exports due to concerns they could be used in Gaza.

According to the Prime Minister’s office, the newly sanctioned strategy to “defeat” Hamas entails the Israeli army preparing to take control of Gaza City while dispensing humanitarian aid to civilians outside of active combat zones.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also issued a strong condemnation of the reported Israeli strategy for a comprehensive military takeover of Gaza.

Foreign Office Spokesperson Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan stated that Israel’s recent action not only constitutes another blatant infringement of international law and pertinent UN Security Council resolutions but also demonstrates the occupying power’s intention to further broaden its ongoing genocidal military campaign.

He added that this highly inflammatory action will exacerbate the existing critical humanitarian situation and the suffering of civilians in the occupied Palestinian territory, in addition to undermining international efforts to achieve regional peace and stability.

“Pakistan restates its appeal to the international community to ensure an immediate end to Israeli impunity and its genocidal military campaign; adopt concrete measures for the provision of unimpeded humanitarian supplies to millions of Palestinians in dire need; and hold Israel accountable for its heinous crimes,” he asserted.

Earlier, Netanyahu had articulated Israel’s intention to seize complete control of the Gaza Strip, while asserting they do not intend to govern it.

“We don’t want to keep it,” the Prime Minister stated on Fox News, adding that Israel desired a “security perimeter” and wished to transfer the Palestinian territory to “Arab forces that will govern it properly without threatening us”.

Israel had occupied Gaza since 1967, but withdrew its forces and settlers in 2005.

Netanyahu’s office indicated that a majority of the security cabinet had endorsed “five principles”, including demilitarisation of the territory and “the establishment of an alternative civil administration that is neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority”.

The new plan provoked immediate disapproval from across the globe, with expressions of concern being issued by China, Turkey, the UK, and the UN’s rights chief.