New York (TDI): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has called the Israel-Palestine conflict a “test case” for the international community, urging global powers to act decisively in support of a two-state solution.
Speaking at a high-level United Nations conference in New York on Tuesday, Dar addressed the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, emphasizing the need for justice, accountability, and lasting peace in the region.
The conference, jointly hosted by France and Saudi Arabia, was convened under the title, “The Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution.” It brings together 123 nations and global institutions working to revive the long-stalled peace process.
“The Palestinian question is a test case for the United Nations and the world,” Dar said during his remarks. “Pakistan reaffirms its unwavering support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, and the establishment of an independent, viable State of Palestine along pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.”
His comments come as the Israeli military campaign in Gaza, now in its 22nd month, has led to over 60,000 Palestinian deaths and left more than 145,000 injured, according to Gaza’s health authorities.
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Dar outlined a five-point plan that he said should form the backbone of any serious peace effort: An immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire across Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories; Full humanitarian access, especially for food, medicine, and aid teams; International accountability for war crimes, referencing the ICC arrest warrants issued last year; A renewed political process aimed at ending the occupation; and Universal recognition of Palestine, along with full UN membership.
“We welcome France’s decision to recognize the State of Palestine and urge others to follow,” he added.
Dar also referred to UN Resolution 2735, which calls for a ceasefire and reconstruction framework backed by key regional players including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, and the United States. He called on all parties to fully implement the resolution and build political will around it.
“Today, Gaza is a graveyard for international law and humanitarian principles,” Dar said. “The devastation caused, including the death of over 58,000 women and children, is a grotesque violation of international law and human conscience.”
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He condemned Israel’s repeated targeting of hospitals, refugee camps, and aid convoys, saying, “This collective punishment has crossed every red line. It must stop now.”
Dar also emphasized the moral dimension of the crisis, saying “For over 75 years, the Palestinian people have endured displacement and denial of their basic rights. This is not just a political failure, it’s a moral stain and a serious threat to international peace and security.”
He reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to provide concrete assistance, including, technical support in public administration, health, and education; institution building, in coordination with the Palestinian leadership; and participation in the Arab-OIC Plan and potential international protection mechanisms.
Referring to the UN’s past rulings, Dar recalled the International Court of Justice’s non-binding opinion from January 2024, which declared the Israeli occupation illegal and called for its end. The ICJ also stopped short of enforcing a ceasefire at the time.
Dar voiced support for the OIC’s proposal to deploy an international force to protect Palestinian civilians and urged countries to reject attempts at forced displacement and illegal settlement expansion.
“Justice delayed is justice denied,” Dar concluded. “But when justice is denied for generations, the consequences are far worse. It’s time for freedom, self-determination, and full UN membership for Palestine. That’s the only path to sustainable peace.”
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
