Riyadh summit: PM condemns brutal Israeli aggression in Gaza

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar on Saturday strongly condemned incessant and brutal Israeli aggression and the inhumane blockade of Gaza that has resulted in death, destruction and displacement.

He said this while leading the Pakistan delegation to the Joint Arab Islamic Extraordinary Summit, held in Riyadh today. Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani and Foreign Secretary Mohammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi accompanied the prime minister, said a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.

The Extraordinary Summit has been convened to discuss the unprecedented Israeli aggression and the deepening humanitarian situation in occupied Palestine.

During his address, PM Kakar stressed that the Israeli occupation forces were in clear violation of international humanitarian and human rights law, and their indiscriminate and disproportionate use of force amounted to war crimes and crimes against humanity. He called on the international community to hold Israel accountable for its crimes.

Prime Minister Kakar underscored the urgency of bringing an end to Israel’s campaign of terror with an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, lifting of the siege of Gaza, and rapid and unhindered humanitarian and relief assistance for the people of Gaza.

Also read: Gaza in spotlight as Arab, Muslim blocs meet in Saudi Arabia

The premier underlined that the root cause of the current situation was the perennial settler colonialism and denial of the right of self-determination of the Palestinian people. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity and support for the Palestinian people and for their right to self-determination.

The prime minister underscored that an early establishment of a viable, secure, contiguous and sovereign state of Palestine on the basis of the pre-June 1967 borders and with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital, was the only guarantee for lasting peace and security in the region.

PM Kakar had arrived in Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh on Friday to represent Pakistan at the extraordinary summit, which has been convened to discuss the unprecedented Israeli aggression and the deepening humanitarian situation in occupied Palestine.

Deputy Governor Riyadh Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz received the prime minister on his arrival at the King Khalid International Airport. Pakistan’s ambassador Ahmed Farooq and senior Saudi and Pakistani officials were also present.

PM meets Saudi crown prince

Meanwhile, PM Kakar has also met Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on the sidelines of ongoing Joint Arab- Islamic Extraordinary Summit to discuss the latest situation caused by the aggression of the Israeli occupation forces against the Palestinians both in Gaza and West Bank.

According to a PMO statement, Prime Minister Kakar appreciated the role and efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, under the sagacious leadership of Prince Mohammed, for promoting the Palestinian cause. He thanked the Saudi leadership for the timely initiative of convening the Summit with a view to evolving Joint Arab-Islamic Action on the deteriorating situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

The two leaders underlined the need for urgent international collaboration geared to stopping Israel from brutal and indiscriminate aggression against the besieged and innocent Palestinians. They further emphasised the urgency of lifting the blockade of Occupied Gaza to facilitate the delivery of vital humanitarian aid and medical assistance to the affected population.

The prime minister denounced the Israeli action of bombing hospitals, refugee camps, schools and residential buildings, resulting in the loss of more than 10 thousand precious lives. He also underscored Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to a just and enduring resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, based on the two-state solution leading to the establishment of an independent, sovereign and viable Palestinian state with borders that existed prior to June 1967 and AlQuds Alsharif as its capital.

The two leaders also exchanged views on bilateral matters and reaffirmed the resolve to further strengthening the longstanding Pakistan- Saudi relations for a mutually rewarding economic partnership.