Pakistan Calls for Immediate Humanitarian Relief, Accountability, and Revived Two-State Solution in the Middle East

While underlining the need for a renewed diplomatic push for the revival of the Two-State solution leading to the establishment of the Palestinian State, Pakistan has asked the international community to urgently address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, ensuring that displaced Palestinians return to their homes, and Israeli forces withdraw from Gaza.

In a statement at the UNSC high-level open debate on situation in the Middle East including the Palestinian Question convened by Algeria, president of the Security Council for the month of January, Ambassador Munir Akram, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, called for accountability for the Israeli crimes committed in this brutal war, describing it as an essential element in restoring international legitimacy.

He further urged the international community to help Palestinians develop a concrete plan for Gaza’s reconstruction in line with the UNSC resolution.

Explaining the political and diplomatic process for a Two-State solution, Ambassador Munir Akram said that that it should be based on the fundamental principles of the UN Charter, endorsed by several resolutions of the Security Council and ICJ. The Charter principles pertain to Palestinians’ right to self-determination and the non-acquisition of territory by the use of force.

He warned that the failure to achieve this Solution will lead to prolonged and brutal military occupation, revived violent resistance and perpetual conflict in the Holy Land, which would continue to afflict the entire Middle East and poison the relations between Israel and the Arab and Muslim world.

Ambassador Akram said that Pakistan will play its role as a member of the “Global Alliance for Implementation of the Two-State Solution” to advance the realization of this objective.

Pakistan further demanded that the State of Palestine must be recognized by all UN member states and admitted as a full member of the UN.

The Pakistan UN envoy said that unprecedented devastation in the Middle East was caused by what he termed as “Israel’s illegal and unacceptable conception of its so-called right to self-defence”, adding that the grim and grave situation in Gaza was the ‘consequence of the impunity’ granted to Israel to conduct the aggression beyond any legal or moral proportion.

Ambassador Akram said that Israeli agreement to a ceasefire arrangement was precipitated by a particular deadline after Tel Aviv openly defied the UNSC and General Assembly resolutions, the injunctions of the ICJ as well as appeals from its friends and patrons. He added that thousands of lives could have been saved if cease fire had been agreed to a few months ago.

Pakistan warmly welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, terming it a significant step toward peace and stability in the region. Ambassador Akram commended the patient and persistent mediatory efforts led by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States to facilitate this important agreement.

In particular, he extended his admiration to His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar, for his exceptional resilience and diplomatic skill in steering the involved parties toward this agreement.

Ambassador Munir Akram said that Pakistan remains hopeful that all stages of the ceasefire agreement will be fully implemented and that the cessation of hostilities will evolve into a permanent peace. He, however, expressed his deep concern at the recent threats by Israel of resumed military action in Gaza.

While welcoming the cessation of hostilities in Lebanon, Ambassador Munir Akram stated that it is essential to simultaneously address other threats to peace and security in the Middle East to achieve comprehensive peace in the region.

He congratulated President Joesph Aoun on his election and Mr. Nawaf Salam on his designation as the Prime Minister of Lebanon and urged Israel to withdraw its forces from South Lebanon within the stipulated 60 daysin line with UNSC resolution.

Ambassador Akram supported the stabilization of Syria through an inclusive political process and governance, stating that terrorism must not be allowed to reemerge in or from Syria. He said that Israel must withdraw immediately from the separation zone established under the 1974 Disengagement Agreement as well as from the occupied Syrian Golan Heights in accordance with Security Council resolutions 242, 338 and 497.

Pakistan also called for a halt to the Israeli and other air strikes against Yemen as well as an end to the attacks from Yemen on international shipping, hoping that a ceasefire in Gaza will help to end these attacks and revive the interrupted political process in Yemen.

Ambassador Munir Akram asked the Council to be concerned at the reported contemplation of further Israeli attacks against Iran.

“Today, despite the hostile rhetoric, there is an opportunity to revive the JCPOA on equitable terms. This window of opportunity must not be missed. This would contribute significantly to realizing durable peace and security across the entire Middle East,” he emphasized.

Referring to the Israeli Prime Minister’s statement wherein the latter proclaimed that Israel “has changed the face of the Middle East”, Ambassador Munir Akram stated categorically that Israel has not - and cannot- change its soul.

“Even in this altered strategic landscape, The Arab and Muslim peoples will not relent in their quest for peace with justice and for equal rights for the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination and statehood.”