New York (Web Desk): Amid worsening conditions in Gaza, Pakistan has called on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to take urgent action to end Israel’s ongoing military campaign, which Islamabad described as illegal and inhumane.
Speaking at a Council debate on the Middle East, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, urged the international body to intervene and stop the mass suffering of Palestinians, particularly children, who are among the most affected.
Ambassador Ahmad condemned what he described as indiscriminate attacks, mass starvation, and collective punishment targeting the population in Gaza, emphasizing that such actions amount to serious violations of international law and the Geneva Conventions.
He stressed that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza had reached unbearable levels, noting the death toll has surpassed 60,000, including over 18,500 children, with Palestinian children dying at a rate of more than one per hour since the conflict began.
The Pakistani envoy also highlighted that approximately 9,500 Palestinians, many of them women and children, are currently imprisoned by Israel, with nearly a third held without formal charges or trials. The blockade, he said, has caused severe consequences, including at least 175 deaths from starvation, 93 of them children.Humanitarian efforts have also come under attack, with over 1,200 aid workers reportedly killed since May.
Calling for an immediate, unconditional, and lasting ceasefire, Ambassador Ahmad reiterated Pakistan’s support for a complete Israeli withdrawal, the release of hostages, and the urgent, unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid.
He referenced a previous ceasefire deal brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, which led to the release of 33 hostages before being disrupted by Israeli actions.
Asim further urged full implementation of Security Council Resolution 2735, which offers a concrete framework for ending hostilities and allowing aid into Gaza.
At the same time, the Pakistani envoy acknowledged the need for Israeli hostages to be released, stating such detentions were unacceptable and contrary to international law.
He cited the emotional appeal of Ilay David, whose brother remains captive in Gaza, emphasizing the need for a resolution that addresses the suffering on all sides.
Ambassador Ahmad also stressed that lasting peace in the region cannot be achieved without addressing the root cause of the conflict — Israel’s continued occupation of Palestinian territories.
He called for a political solution that leads to the creation of a sovereign, contiguous Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif (Jerusalem) as its capital.
The Pakistani envoy urged global powers to follow up on recent conferences discussing the two-state solution with concrete, effective steps.
Earlier in the meeting, UN Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenca reaffirmed the need for a political resolution to the crisis. Speaking at a session called by Israel to address the situation of hostages, Jenca insisted that all detainees must be treated humanely and granted access to organizations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross.
He described the current humanitarian conditions in Gaza as deplorable, marked by severe restrictions on aid and widespread hunger.
Jenca noted that civilians are being killed while attempting to access food, calling such actions clear violations of international law. He called on Israel to immediately allow the large-scale entry of humanitarian supplies to prevent further suffering.
Commenting on reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may expand military operations across all of Gaza, Jenca warned that such a move could have disastrous consequences for both Palestinians and remaining hostages.
Citing the recent advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice, Jenca reminded the Council that Israel is obligated to halt all new settlement activity and withdraw from occupied territories.
He concluded by reiterating the UN’s stance: the only path to peace and relief for Gaza lies in a permanent ceasefire, the unconditional release of hostages, and unrestricted humanitarian access.