Islamabad, 20 October 2023 (TDI): In a demonstration of unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people, the President of Pakistan, Dr. Arif Alvi visited the Palestine Embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Thursday.
This visit coincided with Pakistan sending humanitarian aid to Gaza, which is currently under siege by Israel.
President Alvi, during his visit to the Embassy, met with the Palestinian Ambassador, Ahmed Ameen Rabaie, and conveyed Pakistan’s strong solidarity with the Palestinian people on behalf of the Pakistani government and its citizens.
He called for the United Nations (UN) to address the atrocities committed in Palestine and urged the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to pass a resolution to halt Israeli actions.
President Alvi expressed his concern about the escalating violence, emphasizing that such brutal actions have the potential to fuel hatred and lead to further conflicts.
He also highlighted the significance of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) taking a strong stance in support of Palestine.
Speaking on behalf of the Pakistani people, President Alvi condemned the brutalities taking place in Gaza, the disproportionate response from Israel, and the long-standing apartheid-like conditions that have persisted for decades.
Also read: Pakistan strongly condemns Israeli attack on Gaza hospital
He decried the suffering of the Palestinian people and cited the bombing of a hospital in Gaza, which resulted in over 500 casualties, as a particularly distressing example of the current situation.
On the same day, Pakistan announced that it was dispatching the initial shipment of humanitarian assistance to the besieged Gaza Strip through Egypt.
A chartered plane, carrying 100 tons of essential medical supplies, tents, and blankets, took off from Islamabad and will transfer these critical items to Gaza via Egypt.
Pakistan has expressed its deep concern for the Palestinian population in Gaza and has consistently condemned Israeli aggression and the blockade.
Also read: Deputy head of Palestine in Pakistan addresses Gaza Conflict
Islamabad has characterized Israel’s deliberate attacks on civilian targets as war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The Pakistani government has called for an immediate cease-fire, an end to the Gaza blockade, and the establishment of humanitarian corridors to facilitate unrestricted relief supplies.
The conflict in Gaza, which has been subject to Israeli bombardment and a blockade since October 7, began with Hamas initiating Operation Al-Aqsa Flood.
This multi-pronged offensive included rocket attacks and infiltrations into Israel as a response to the escalating violence by Israeli settlers and the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
In response, the Israeli military launched Operation Iron Swords to target Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is dire, marked by a lack of electricity, and dwindling water, food, fuel, and medical supplies.
UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres has called for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire” to alleviate the immense human suffering in the region.
The conflict has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with Palestinians bearing the brunt of the impact.
This statement provides an account of Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people and its ongoing commitment to addressing the dire situation in Gaza.
It also underscores the urgent need for international action and humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of the people in the region.