United Nations (TDI): As diplomats met in New York on Friday to prepare for an international conference in June, aimed at advancing global efforts towards achieving a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict, Pakistan called for addressing the root cause “Israel’s prolonged occupation.”
Pakistan’s permanent representative to the UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said that only by ending the occupation can we secure a just and enduring peace.
He said that this Conference is both timely and essential. Palestinian people’s unabated suffering, the unfolding humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, and the systematic erosion of the two-State solution through illegal settlements and unilateral actions by Israel demand a resolute global response.
The conference will be held at the UN headquarters in New York from June 17 to 20. It stems from a resolution approved in December 2024 by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and will be co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France.
Read More: Peace and Occupation Cannot Co-exist: Pakistan on Gaza
In his remarks, Ambassador Asim reaffirmed Islamabad’s unwavering support for a just, enduring and comprehensive solution to the Palestine issue, rooted in international law and relevant UN resolutions, based on the pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as the capital of an independent State of Palestine.
Read More: Pakistan Condemns Israeli Attack on Gaza’s Baptist Hospital
He said that this conference must serve a turning point, and deliver tangible outcomes. In the lead-up to June, he added it was imperative to restore and fully implement a ceasefire in Gaza, end the blockade, ensure unimpeded humanitarian access including through UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, and protect civilians and aid workers.
“Any attempt to forcibly displace Palestinians, occupy territory, or impose militarized aid mechanisms must be firmly rejected”.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
