Pakistan denounces Israeli siege in Khan Younis, urges global response

Shehbaz Sharif accuses Israel of genocide and wants implementation of ICJ and UN resolutions to address inhumanity

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday condemned the violent actions of Israeli forces in Khan Younis in Gaza, where thousands have fled amid intense clashes.

Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep concerns over the situation, highlighting the suspension of food and essential supplies due to the siege, which has led to a severe humanitarian crisis. He called on the international community, including the United Nations, to fulfill their responsibilities.

"Due to the siege of Khan Younis, the supply of food and other necessities of life has been suspended in the area. Human tragedy has been born in Palestine and the international community, including the United Nations, should fulfill its responsibilities," Sharif said in a statement.

According to the United Nations, the invasion of Khan Younis has displaced at least 180,000 Palestinians in the first four days, many leaving without their belongings.

Sharif accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza and urged the implementation of the International Court of Justice's advisory opinion, which deemed Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories unlawful, and relevant UN resolutions. Reiterating the need for action, Sharif called for the enforcement of recent ICJ decisions and UN resolutions.

The Prime Minister noted that Pakistan had sent humanitarian aid to Palestine and made special arrangements for the admission of Palestinian medical students in Pakistani colleges. He emphasised Pakistan's stance against Israeli oppression and its support for Palestinian self-determination at the International Court of Justice.

He mentioned that Pakistan had dispatched around 1,200 tonnes of relief goods to Palestine via Pakistan Air Force planes and another 1,500 tonnes through three ships.

Shehbaz Sharif urged the international community to hold Israel accountable for its war crimes in Palestine, reaffirming Pakistan's solidarity with the Palestinian brothers and sisters.