PM Sharif urges swift action to halt Gaza genocide at Arab summit

RIYADH: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, regretting the “deafening silence” of the international community over the “systematic genocide of the people of Palestine”, demanded on Monday a swift action to safeguard the inalienable rights of the oppressed Palestinians, by ensuring the establishment of an independent state.

Speaking at an Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit, the Prime Minister said as Ummah, they were duty bound by their religion and conscience to stand resolutely with the people of Palestine more than even before, “we should not let this genocide and oppression to persist”.

He stressed that the conference must call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, impose an immediate arms embargo on Israel and lifting of Israel’s blockade against Gaza, ensuring prompt delivery of food water, electricity and medical aid.

The Prime Minister also called for holding of accountability of Israel for its war crimes, besides, urging the summit to pursue the adoption of UNGA special session’s resolution 10/24 that followed up a historic advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJA).

Prime Minister Sharif also demanded a comprehensive review of Israel’s membership of the United Nations. He said for more than a year, Gaza had fallen into endless darkness and despair with families torn apart, buildings, schools and hospitals blown up.

He was alarmed at the silence of the international community which shut its eyes in the face of such crimes committed against Palestinians, adding the atrocities being committed against Palestinians had been rightfully labeled as genocide not only by media, but also by the International Court of Justice (ICJ). “With each passing day, every moral code has been flagrantly been violated by Israel yet the killing and destruction continued with no end in sight,” he observed.

The Prime Minister questioned as to how long this annihilation be ignored. Israel has been emboldened with the international community’s indifference and inaction. “There has been an utter disregard for humanity’s repeated calls for a ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian relief and protection of civilians”.

While houses with the occupants were being blown up, he said, the most sophisticatedweapons were being supplied to Israel. Indeed, it was assured of unconditional assistance and support.

He said the international laws which were meant to protect the vulnerable had been torn to shreds. “Humanity is being tested and failing while Gaza bleeds, the world watches in deafening silence,” he added.

Prime Minister Sharif further said: “Pakistan stands firm in its commitment to Palestine right to self-determination. We reiterate our unwavering support to establish an independent, viable and contiguous state of Palestine with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital based upon its pre-1967 borders.”

He said Pakistan strongly condemned Israel’s recent strikes against Iran as an outright violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, adding “We equally denounce Israel’s ongoing aggression against Lebanon and stand in complete solidarity with its people.”

He cautioned that such escalation by Israel constituted a dangerous threat that could unleash a broader war. The Prime Minister expressed the hope that the summit would be a moment to transform their words into action. He also expressed his profound gratitude to the sagacious Saudi leadership for convening the summit.