NEW YORK: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar strongly condemned the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, describing it as a “graveyard of international law” and urging the United Nations to grant Palestine full membership, enforce a permanent ceasefire, and ensure uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians under siege.
Addressing a high-level global conference on the peaceful settlement of the Palestine issue and implementation of the two-state solution—co-hosted by Saudi Arabia and France—Dar criticized the deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, refugee camps, and aid convoys.
“The blockade of aid and the systematic destruction of civilian infrastructure have violated every standard of legality and humanity,” he said, calling the situation “collective punishment” that must end immediately.
He praised recent European steps toward recognizing Palestinian statehood, particularly welcoming France’s decision and urging others to follow suit in supporting a viable two-state solution. “This global momentum must not be lost,” he said.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s longstanding commitment to a just and lasting resolution, Dar said Islamabad was ready to go beyond rhetoric and provide tangible support to Palestine in areas such as public administration, education, health, and institutional development. He also offered Pakistan’s participation in international protection efforts and regional initiatives like the Arab-OIC Plan.
Highlighting the devastating toll of the Israeli military campaign, Dar cited the deaths of over 58,000 Palestinians—many of them women and children—as a flagrant breach of international law, UN resolutions, and International Court of Justice rulings.
He warned that continued delay in delivering justice would have far-reaching consequences not just for Palestine, but for the entire region. “When justice is denied for generations, the consequences are even graver,” he said. “The occupation must end, and we must restore hope to the Palestinian people.”
Concluding his remarks, Dar stressed that full UN membership and sovereign statehood for Palestine are the most effective guarantees for enduring peace and stability in the region.
The conference, initially scheduled for June but postponed due to the Israeli strike on Iran, was convened following a 2024 UN General Assembly decision to advance peace efforts. UN Secretary-General António Guterres opened the meeting, calling for immediate international action and declaring there is “no excuse” for the destruction witnessed in Gaza.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot also called for an end to the fighting, emphasizing that lasting peace could only be achieved through a genuine two-state solution. He warned the ongoing conflict threatens the broader stability of the region.
Notably, the United States and Israel did not participate in the conference. US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce dismissed the timing of the event and claimed it could hinder the peace process rather than help it.
