ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday vehemently denounced the Israeli cabinet’s recent approval of a plan to seize control of Gaza City, labeling it as both “illegal” and “illegitimate.” Through a statement on his official X account, the premier described the move as a dangerous escalation in an already dire conflict, warning it would further deepen the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and derail hopes for regional peace.
He stressed that the underlying cause of the crisis is Israel’s long-standing illegal occupation of Palestinian lands. Peace, he said, would remain out of reach unless this occupation ends. PM Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast support for the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination and the creation of an independent state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital, in line with UN and OIC resolutions.
Urging swift international intervention, the prime minister called on the global community to stop Israel’s continued aggression, protect civilian lives, and ensure unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The Foreign Office echoed this stance, with spokesperson Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan condemning the Israeli plan as a blatant violation of international law and UN Security Council resolutions. He warned that the move signals an intent to widen what he called a "genocidal military campaign," exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and undermining peace efforts.
The plan has triggered international backlash, with countries like China, Turkey, and the UK, along with the UN’s human rights chief, expressing grave concern. Even staunch Israeli ally Germany suspended military exports to Israel due to fears they might be used in Gaza.
While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted that Israel doesn’t intend to govern Gaza, critics argue the move marks a new phase of occupation and repression.
