Pakistan expresses concern over surge in rights violations in occupied Palestine

FO highlights incidents of harassment, arrests, and arbitrary restrictions by Israeli forces

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan expressed concern on Monday over the surge in the incidents of rights violations in occupied Palestine by the Israeli security forces.

"Pakistan views the recent alarming developments in the Occupied Palestinian Territories with serious concern," said a press release by the Foreign Office (FO). 

The communique added that the incidents include harassment of people coming for prayers, arrests of innocent Palestinians and other arbitrary restrictions in violation of fundamental human rights.

These illegal measures, it noted, have seen an upsurge since the onset of the holy month of Ramazan.

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"Pakistan condemns these violent acts carried out by the Israeli occupation forces and urges the international community for prompt action to protect Palestinians."

Pakistan, the ministry assured, steadfastly supports the Palestinian people’s inalienable right to self-determination.

"For [a] just and lasting peace, it is imperative to have a two-state solution in accordance with the relevant United Nations and OIC resolutions, with the pre-1967 borders, and Al-Quds Al-Sharif as the capital of a viable, independent and contiguous Palestinian State," the office concluded.

In November last year, Pakistan ruled out the possibility of recognising Israel. The statement came amid speculative media reports that Islamabad might be considering recognising Israel as Arab countries are gradually embracing the Jewish state.