Pakistan’s Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmed highlighted the extreme instability in the Middle East, stating that the unresolved Palestinian issue and the Israeli occupation of Arab territories are the root causes of regional instability. A statement officially released today said that
during the debate on the situation in the Middle East at the United Nations Security Council, he said that the temporary ceasefire in Gaza has provided some respite, but it is fragile, with over 800 Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks since the announcement, and major obstacles hindering the delivery of humanitarian aid to those in need.
Ambassador Ahmed emphasized the importance of strict adherence to international law, the UN Charter, Security Council resolutions, restraint, responsible conduct, and diplomatic principles to prevent further escalation in the region. He stated that the Gaza ceasefire, which is providing temporary relief, is often violated and its full observance, strengthening, and broad provision of continuous humanitarian aid must be guaranteed.
The completion of the second phase of the Gaza peace plan is eagerly awaited, as any delay could impede progress and exacerbate human suffering. The full implementation of the peace plan under Security Council Resolution 2803 is considered essential.
Serious concern was also expressed over the rapidly deteriorating situation in the West Bank. The diplomat termed the growing settler violence, the continuous expansion of illegal settlements, and unlawful legislative actions to acquire land as grave violations of international law, aimed at altering the demographic and legal status of the occupied Palestinian territories.
In early April, the foreign ministers of eight Arab and Islamic countries issued a joint statement strongly condemning Israeli legislation. They warned that Israel’s increasing discriminatory and aggressive practices are strengthening an apartheid system, denying the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people and their existence in the occupied territories. Later the same month, another joint statement condemned repeated violations of the historical and legal status of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, particularly highlighting ongoing interventions at Al-Aqsa Mosque, and demanded an immediate halt to these actions.
Following a high-level conference, a multilateral path for the establishment of a Palestinian state emerged in July, held after the General Assembly’s approval of the New York Declaration last year. With the support of Arab and OIC countries, a comprehensive peace plan is moving forward under the leadership of US President Donald Trump. Pakistan hopes that these measures, including practical steps towards a credible and time-bound political process under Resolution 2803, will result in a permanent ceasefire, increased humanitarian aid, reconstruction of Gaza, and the realization of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, culminating in the establishment of an independent, sovereign, geographically contiguous Palestinian state with pre-1967 borders and Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
Referring to Lebanon, Ambassador Ahmed reported over two thousand civilian casualties from Israeli military operations, particularly in the southern regions. Although the extension of a three-week ceasefire mediated by the US is a positive development, violations persist, necessitating an immediate and complete cessation of hostilities. The full implementation of Resolution 1701 is also considered crucial for regional stability.
Regarding Syria, Pakistan advocates a comprehensive strategy based on full respect for its sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, along with continuous humanitarian and economic assistance and support for full political development. For Yemen, a Yemeni-led and Yemeni-owned political solution, supported by ongoing international involvement, is considered the only viable path to lasting peace.
Broader regional tensions, including the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, pose significant threats to global peace, security, and economic stability, affecting countries worldwide, including Pakistan. The Ambassador reiterated Pakistan’s full support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence of all brotherly countries in the region, promoting universal respect for international law and the principle of peaceful resolution of disputes.
At this critical juncture, restraint, dialogue, and diplomacy must prevail. Pakistan is actively pursuing diplomatic channels and playing a proactive role in seeking a peaceful resolution to the crisis, as evidenced by the recent negotiations between the US and Iran in Islamabad. Pakistan pledges its ongoing support and facilitation for efforts to promote regional dialogue and stability.
Concluding his remarks, the Ambassador affirmed that only the end of occupation, the establishment of a Palestinian state, and a two-state solution provide a path to a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace for all in the Middle East. Pakistan will continue to support this objective and reiterated its steadfast solidarity with the Palestinian people and their legitimate position.