Pakistan Condemns Israeli Airstrike in Gaza

Pakistan has voiced strong condemnation of the recent Israeli airstrike in Gaza, which resulted in the tragic deaths of numerous civilians.

The Foreign Office released a statement expressing, “Pakistan extends its deepest sympathies to the families who lost loved ones and reaffirms its unwavering support for the Palestinian people during this time of immense suffering.”

FO spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan criticized Israel, asserting that the reprehensible attack represents another severe breach of international humanitarian and human rights laws, highlighting the extent and seriousness of the offenses committed by the occupying power.

The Pakistani government has urged the international community to undertake swift and decisive measures to bring an end to Israeli impunity, safeguard civilians, and ensure Israel is held responsible for its actions.

Pakistan has restated its enduring backing of the Palestinian cause, advocating for an equitable, sustainable, and peaceful resolution, consistent with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions that uphold the rights and dignity of the Palestinian people.

“This includes the creation of a self-governing, sovereign, viable, and connected Palestinian State, based on the pre-June 1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its designated capital,” the statement concluded.

According to reports, Palestinians experienced the most intense bombardments in weeks on Monday in areas east of Gaza City. These events unfolded just hours after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu conveyed his anticipation of finalizing a newly broadened offensive against Hamas “fairly quickly”.

In a separate incident, an airstrike claimed the lives of six journalists, including prominent Al Jazeera correspondent Anas Al Sharif, who were stationed in a tent at Gaza City’s Al Shifa Hospital compound. This marked the deadliest assault on journalists during an Israeli campaign that has been ongoing for over 22 months.

Eyewitness accounts indicate that Israeli tanks and aircraft bombarded Sabra, Zeitoun, and Shejaia – three eastern suburbs of Gaza City, situated in the northern part of the territory – on Monday, compelling numerous families to move westward away from their residences.

Certain Gaza City residents have described the night as one of the worst in recent weeks, sparking concerns about potential military preparations for a more extensive offensive into their city. Hamas reports that approximately 1 million people are currently seeking refuge in Gaza City, having been displaced from the enclave’s northern boundaries.