The international community must take immediate action to stop Israeli aggression, Zardari
Israel is destroying peace and security in the region and trampling on UN laws. MPC joint statement
Islamabad, October 7, 2024- A multi-party conference (MPC) convened by the government to express solidarity with the Palestinian people has demanded the establishment of an independent Palestinian state and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, holding Israel accountable for its oppressive actions. The Multi Party Conference (MPC) was held at the President’s House, attended by President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Pakistan Muslim League (N) President Nawaz Sharif, along with Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Ahsan Iqbal, Sherry Rehman, Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Aimal Wali Khan, and Yousaf Raza Gillani.
During his address, President Asif Ali Zardari recalled the days when the PLO office was in Pakistan during Bhutto’s era, and Yasser Arafat would visit. He noted that it has been a year since the onset of Israeli aggression in Palestine and Gaza, resulting in over 41,800 Palestinian martyrs and more than 100,000 injuries. He emphasized that after completely destroying the health and education infrastructure and public properties, Israel has further escalated its brutal campaign by targeting innocent civilians in Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen. Zardari stated that these actions jeopardize not only regional peace and security but also global stability.
He expressed Pakistan’s deep concern over the escalation of provocations in the Middle East, condemning Israeli brutality and aggression against Palestine and Lebanon, as well as the assassination of Hamas and Hezbollah leadership. Zardari called upon the international community to take swift action to stop Israeli aggression to prevent further loss of life and escalation of the conflict. He pledged that Pakistan will continue to voice solidarity with the Palestinian people against human rights violations and aggression on all global platforms.
In his address, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed gratitude to all leaders for attending the conference, noting that whenever Pakistan faces a challenge, the entire political leadership unites. He emphasized the encouraging collective thoughts and proposals presented by the leaders, stating that the Palestinian people are facing extreme Israeli aggression and that the Muslim world must take concrete steps forward. He affirmed that everyone stands with Palestine and that it is time to exert all efforts to end the bloodshed, which should be the top priority, alongside the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.
Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman, Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami, mentioned that since last year, Israel has dropped 85,000 tons of explosives in Palestine, resulting in the destruction of about 80-90% of buildings, with 10,000 people trapped under rubble and approximately 42,000 to 43,000 martyred, including 30,000 children. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari stated that while the world views Pakistan as a poor country grappling with economic issues and threats of terrorism, when it comes to Palestine, every Pakistani stands united. He emphasized the need to send a clear message that some international powers mistakenly believe Pakistani politicians are not united, stating that today’s forum sends a strong message of solidarity with the Palestinian brothers and sisters.
He noted that the Prime Minister’s bold decision to boycott during Israel’s speech at the United Nations represented the voices of all Pakistanis and succeeded in reflecting the nation’s hopes for foreign policy. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari mentioned that a significant challenge lies ahead for the Foreign Minister and Prime Minister, assuring them of full cooperation from all political parties, with the Pakistan Peoples Party always ready to assist.
Subsequently, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister announced the conference’s joint statement, asserting that Israel is undermining peace and security in the region while disregarding UN laws. The statement highlighted recent Israeli aggression in Lebanon, attacks in Gaza, and the assassination of Hamas leaders in Tehran and the head of Hezbollah in Lebanon, deteriorating the peace situation in the region. The conference’s joint statement called for unconditional support for the Palestinians’ right to self-determination and urged a resolution of the Palestinian issue in accordance with UN and OIC resolutions.
The resolution presented at the multi-party conference condemned Israeli aggression and brutality against the Palestinian people, emphasizing the need to hold Israel accountable for its genocidal actions, which have resulted in the martyrdom of over 40,000 individuals. The resolution condemned attacks on schools, hospitals, refugee camps, places of worship, and the killing of journalists. It demanded an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza, calling for an end to the oppression faced by the Palestinian people and the lifting of the Gaza blockade.
The conference also called for ensuring unobstructed medical aid delivery in Gaza and holding Israel accountable for violating international and humanitarian laws. The joint statement demanded that the international community take immediate action to prevent Israel from further oppressing Lebanon and other countries, exacerbating regional instability. It announced support for political and diplomatic efforts by the OIC, Arab League, UN, and other brotherly nations aimed at achieving peace and stability in Gaza and its borders.
The joint statement urged the OIC to convene an emergency summit regarding the ongoing aggression by Israel in Gaza and the deteriorating situation in Palestine, emphasizing the need for unity among the Muslim Ummah. It called for the complete implementation of the UN resolution presented on September 18, 2024, demanding an end to the Israeli occupation and for the International Court of Justice to enforce its order to halt the genocide of Palestinians. The resolution also called for the implementation of the announcement made during the 2023 OIC and Arab League meeting, which demanded all countries cease supplying weapons and ammunition to Israel.
The conference’s resolution supported the UN’s relief efforts for Palestinian refugees and appreciated Pakistan’s humanitarian aid sent to Gaza and medical assistance for the people of Lebanon, expressing the commitment to continue and double aid for Palestinian citizens in the future. The statement reiterated Pakistan’s support for an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital and called for making Palestine a member of the UN. It declared the government of Pakistan’s commitment to stopping Israeli atrocities and politically and diplomatically supporting Palestinian citizens. The resolution announced that November 29, 2024, will be observed as Solidarity Day with the Palestinian people.
