Islamabad (TDI): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has denounced Israel’s decision to push ahead with what he termed an “illegal and illegitimate” plan to take control of Gaza, warning that such a move would dangerously escalate an already dire humanitarian crisis.
In a statement on X, the prime minister said that expanding military operations in the besieged territory would not only worsen the suffering of its people but also destroy any remaining hope for peace in the region.
Shehbaz reiterated that the real cause of the decades-long conflict was Israel’s occupation of Palestinian land, stressing that peace would remain unattainable until that occupation ended. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s “steadfast solidarity” with the Palestinian people and their right to an independent state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital, as recognized by the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
The premier urged the international community to step in immediately to halt what he called Israel’s “unwarranted aggression,” protect civilian lives, and ensure unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
His remarks came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet approved a new military plan to “take control” of Gaza City, a decision that has drawn sharp criticism both within Israel and abroad.
Nearly two years into the war, Netanyahu is under increasing pressure to secure a ceasefire, avert famine among Gaza’s more than two million residents, and secure the release of captives held by Hamas. Hamas has condemned the latest Israeli plan as “a new war crime,” while Germany, a close ally of Israel, announced it would suspend military exports over fears they could be used in Gaza.
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According to Netanyahu’s office, the strategy aims to “defeat” Hamas, demilitarize Gaza, and create an “alternative civil administration” that is neither run by Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority. The plan includes distributing humanitarian aid outside combat zones while preparing the army to take over Gaza City.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad also issued a strongly worded statement condemning Israel’s decision. FO spokesperson Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan said the move was another blatant violation of international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions, as well as evidence of Israel’s intent to widen its “genocidal military campaign.”
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He warned that the plan would worsen the already grave humanitarian situation and undermine ongoing international efforts to restore peace and stability in the region. Pakistan, he added, calls on the world to end Israel’s impunity, facilitate uninterrupted humanitarian aid, and hold it accountable for “heinous crimes” against the Palestinian people.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
