NEW YORK: Pakistan has called on the United Nations Security Council to take decisive measures to end the bloodshed in Gaza and uphold international law. Addressing the 15-member Council, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stressed that “the time for words has passed; the time for action is now.”
The Council meeting followed the recent High-Level International Conference on Palestine, which reinforced global support for the two-State solution. Dar welcomed the growing recognition of Palestine, recalling that Pakistan was among the first nations to recognize its independence in 1988. He urged the international community to maintain momentum with firm determination and pursue a just and lasting peace.
Dar described Gaza as “a graveyard for humanity,” reiterating Pakistan’s unwavering support for an independent Palestinian state along pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. He called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian access, lifting of the blockade, protection against forced displacement, and respect for the right of return for Palestinian refugees.
Opening the debate, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that Gaza is facing “one of the darkest chapters” in the conflict, with civilians trapped under bombardment, deprived of food, water, and medicine. He stressed that famine is already a reality and condemned violations of international humanitarian law.
Guterres also cautioned that violence is spreading beyond Gaza, while Israel’s settlement expansion and annexation plans threaten the viability of a two-State solution. He urged compliance with UN resolutions and international law to end the crisis.
