Pakistan reaffirms solidarity with Palestine on international day

Pakistan has strongly reaffirmed its support for the Palestinian people during commemorations of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. President Asif Ali Zardari declared that Pakistan will continue providing comprehensive political, diplomatic, humanitarian, and moral support to Palestinians, emphasizing the nation's commitment to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on pre-June 1967 borders with Jerusalem as its capital.

Calls for Accountability and Withdrawal

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif separately described the Palestinian experience as "one of the most devastating tragedies of our time" and demanded "full and credible accountability for the war crimes and genocidal actions committed against Palestinians by Israel." He called for the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied Palestinian territories, including Gaza, asserting that Palestinians deserve "permanent peace and prosperity" after decades of conflict.

West Bank Concerns and Legal Framework

The Pakistani premier also addressed the deteriorating situation in the West Bank, characterizing the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements as "a blatant violation of international law and a major impediment to peace." Both leaders grounded Pakistan's position in universal values of human dignity, fairness, and justice, with President Zardari noting that Islamabad's support for the Palestinian cause reflects these fundamental principles.

Regional Context and Ongoing Conflict

These statements come amid ongoing regional tensions, despite a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel that took effect on October 10 through mediation by Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye with US backing. The conflict has resulted in nearly 70,000 Palestinian deaths and over 170,000 injuries since October 2023, according to Palestinian health authorities, creating one of the most severe humanitarian crises in the region's recent history.