Pakistan has strongly denounced what it terms ethnic cleansing in Gaza and called upon the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to take immediate action. Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan”s Permanent Representative to the UN, addressed the UNSC briefing on the Middle East, emphasizing the dire situation. He stated that the mass fatalities, displacement, starvation, settlements, and devastation of livable areas in Gaza clearly indicate Israel”s pursuit of ethnic cleansing.

Ambassador Ahmad implored the UNSC to intervene, stating that inaction exacerbates the anguish and weakens international law. He insisted the council uphold its charter obligations and act decisively. The representative revealed that over 62,000 Palestinians, including 19,000 children, 10,000 women, over 270 reporters, and more than 360 UN aid personnel, have perished in Gaza.

He outlined Pakistan”s demands to the UNSC: an immediate, enduring, and unconditional ceasefire across Gaza and the Occupied Palestinian Territory; the immediate and unconditional removal of all barriers to humanitarian aid access into Gaza and its secure distribution; the liberation of all captives and exchange of Palestinian detainees; a halt to Israel”s stated aim of occupying Gaza City; and an end to forced relocation, illicit settlement expansion, and annexations in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.