Pakistan calls for maximum restraint in Israel-Palestine conflict

FO expresses deep concern over recent escalation of hostilities between Israel and Hamas fighters

ISLAMABAD:

Voicing concerns over the escalation in the conflict between Israel and Palestine in the Middle East, Pakistan on Saturday called for exercising maximum restraint, urging the international community to come together for cessation of hostilities, protection of civilians and pursuit of a lasting peace in the region.

“We are closely monitoring the unfolding situation in the Middle East and the eruption of hostilities between the Israelis and Palestinians,” the Foreign Office spokesperson said in a statement.

Mumtaz Zahra Baloch expressed concerned about the “human cost of escalating situation” in the region, saying that Pakistan's stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict has been consistent, advocating for a two-state solution as the key to enduring peace in the region.

Mumtaz emphasised the importance of a "just, comprehensive, and lasting solution to the Palestinian question anchored in international law and in line with relevant United Nations and OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation) resolutions".

Pakistan maintains that a viable, sovereign, and contiguous State of Palestine should be established on the basis of pre-1967 borders, with Al Quds Al-Sharif (Jerusalem) as its capital. This stance aligns with the international community's efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the long-standing conflict.

The statement urged the international community to come together to support the cessation of hostilities, protection of civilians, and the pursuit of a lasting peace in the Middle East. The call for immediate action reflects Pakistan's commitment to a peaceful resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.

President Dr Arif Alvi in a statement urged the international community to work for a “long-standing peaceful resolution of the conflict in accordance with the relevant UN resolutions and international law”.

President Alvi advised exercising maximum restraint to prevent further bloodshed and loss of human life, saying: “I am very concerned about the escalation of tensions between Palestine and Israel.”

Calling for an immediate ceasefire, Alvi said, “The conflict between Palestine and Israel will further increase the hardships of the people.”

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar expressed deep concern over the escalating situation in the Middle East, stressing the need to address the “Palestine Question”.

“Heartbroken by the escalating violence in the Middle East, which underscores the urgent need to address the Palestine Question. We urge restraint and protection of civilians. Enduring peace in the Middle East lies in a two-state solution with a viable, contiguous, sovereign State of Palestine, founded on pre-1967 borders, with Al Quds Al-Sharif at its heart,” the premier said in a post on social media platform X.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif stressed that durable peace was only possible after Israel ended the “illegal occupation” of Palestinian land, calling upon the world to play its role for the settlement of the long-standing issue.

“Ending Israel's illegal occupation, settlement expansion on Palestinian land, and oppression against innocent Palestinians are key for peace, justice, and prosperity in the region,” the former premier posted on X.

“I am not surprised by today's events. What else can one expect when Israel continues to deny Palestinians their legitimate right to self-determination and statehood? What else, after daily provocations, attacks by occupation forces and settlers, and raids on Al-Aqsa Mosque and other holy sites of Christianity and Islam?” he questioned.

“The world must recognise that durable peace requires: ending occupation of Palestinian land, recognising the State of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital, and upholding Palestinians' right to independence and sovereignty,” the PML-N president continued.

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal expressed profound concern over the escalating situation between the Israel and Palestine and sought the international community’s intervention for a lasting peace in the Middle East.

“I’m deeply concerned at the serious escalation of hostilities between Israeli occupation forces and Palestinians. Pakistan stands for a two-state solution, in line with international law and UN/OIC resolutions.

Stance we have consistently advocated including during my term as Chair of CFM of OIC,” the former foreign minister said on X.

“There’s an urgent need for the international community to come together and work for halting of all hostilities and protection of civilians for securing a lasting peace in the Middle East,” he continued.

PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people.

“Sympathies and prayers of the people of Pakistan are with the Palestinians. The Palestinian people have been facing oppression and brutality for a long time,” the former president said in statement.

He urged the international community to raise their voice for the people of Palestine.

The Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) declared its support for the resistance fighters of Palestine against Israel and felicitated them for the actions.

In a statement, the party said that the Ummah “saluted” the Palestinians for their struggle to protect the Al-Aqsa Mosque, adding that the Muslim world supported them in this difficult time.