Senators urge diplomacy for ceasefire in Gaza

The Senate began debate on the situation in Gaza on Monday with members condemning Israeli bombardment of the innocent Palestinian people and urging the government to take steps for a ceasefire through strong diplomacy.

Senators Raza Rabbani, Yusuf Raza Gilani, Ghafoor Haidari, Manzoor Kakar, Tahir Bizenjo, Mushtaq, Ali Zafar and others spoke on the Gaza situation during the session, chaired by Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani.

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The senators said that the Palestinian issued could not be resolved until Palestine was a free state with Jerusalem as its capital. In this regard, they stressed the need for waking up United Nations, Organization of Islami Cooperation (OIC), Arab League and human rights organisations.

“Israel is backed by America, Britain and European countries, but the Muslim world is a silent spectator,” Haidari said. “There are UN resolutions on this war, but not even one resolution is being implemented. Pakistan should endeavour for a ceasefire through strong diplomacy.”

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Senator Rabbani lamented the absence of ministers. He pointed out that the foreign minister simply marked his attendance and the left. He added that the foreign minister should have stayed in the house during the debate in the house. Later, the chair summoned the foreign minister to the next session.

Senator Mushtaq said that white phosphorus bombs were being dropped by Israel in Gaza. Senator Manzoor Kakar said that Muslim countries were to blame for the brutalities being unleashed against the Palestinian people. “This will continue until we stand up and become one voice,” he added.

Former prime minisiter Yousuf Raza Gilani called for unity for the Palestinian cause. He said that the Arab countries boycotted a meeting of the US President. The debate on Palestine was ongoing when the session adjourned until Tuesday.