New York (TDI): Pakistan has strongly condemned Israeli military actions in southern Lebanon during an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council, reaffirming its support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Speaking at the session, Pakistan’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Usman Jadoon, warned that the escalation threatens civilian lives and risks reversing the fragile political and security progress achieved in Lebanon in recent years.
“Pakistan strongly condemns Israel’s continued military aggression in southern Lebanon,” Jadoon said, adding that the attacks have reportedly killed more than 400 civilians, including women and children, and displaced hundreds of thousands of people.
According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, nearly 700,000 people have fled their homes following Israeli airstrikes and evacuation orders issued across several Lebanese villages.
Read More: China Says US, Israel Must Stop Attacks on Iran for De-escalation to Happen
The Pakistani envoy stressed that large-scale destruction of civilian infrastructure and violations of international humanitarian law must cease immediately. He called for respect for Lebanon’s sovereignty and emphasized that the use of force within Lebanon should remain the prerogative of the Lebanese state through its constitutional institutions, including the Lebanese Armed Forces.
Jadoon also condemned attacks on peacekeepers serving under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, stressing that the safety and security of UN personnel must be guaranteed at all times.
He urged the full implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 and called on Israel to immediately and unconditionally withdraw from occupied Lebanese territories.
Highlighting broader regional tensions, the Pakistani diplomat warned that developments in Lebanon cannot be separated from the wider crisis unfolding in the Middle East. He urged all parties to prioritize negotiation and diplomacy over confrontation.
Read More: Israeli Strikes Have Displaced 700,000 People in Lebanon
“De-escalation, restraint and renewed diplomatic engagement are urgently needed,” he said, reaffirming Pakistan’s solidarity with the Lebanese government and people and calling on the international community to act to prevent further escalation and humanitarian suffering.
Recent fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has intensified despite a ceasefire agreement reached in November 2024. The conflict has caused widespread destruction in parts of Lebanon, particularly in southern areas and the suburbs of Beirut.
Observers warn that continued hostilities could further destabilize the region and deepen the humanitarian crisis affecting hundreds of thousands of civilians.
