Envoy highlights Gaza's year of devastation

Delivers lecture; criticises Israel's disregard for int'l diplomacy

ISLAMABAD:

The Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI) marked a year of aggression and genocide in Gaza by hosting a special lecture featuring Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the State of Palestine, Nader K Alturk.

Alturk delivered a powerful address titled "A Year of War in Gaza," shedding light on the devastation faced by Palestinians.

Reflecting on the past year, Alturk detailed the loss of over 50,000 lives, millions of displaced citizens, and the obliteration of nearly 80 percent of Gaza. He condemned Israel's attacks on civilians and infrastructure, including mosques, schools, and hospitals, under the pretext of military operations.

Alturk highlighted Israel's disregard for international diplomacy, referencing its decision to declare the UN Secretary-General persona non grata and deny him a visa, which he labeled an act of apartheid. He emphasised that under international law, besieged Palestinians have the right to defend themselves.

The envoy described Gaza as a region reduced to rubble, with over a million people displaced and those remaining confined to a territory of less than 30 kilometers. He criticised Israel and the United States for undermining the Palestinians' "Right to Return" as recognised by UN resolutions.

Alturk also touched upon Israel's expansionist agenda, showing maps that outline Zionist ambitions over neighbouring territories. He lamented the failure of international organisations, including the UN Security Council, in addressing the crisis, calling it a failure to uphold global security.

During the Question and Answer session, he addressed ongoing diplomatic efforts for Palestinian statehood and expressed concern over the broader regional escalation, including Israeli intrusions into Lebanon and Iranian retaliation. He called for full Palestinian membership in the UN and supported freezing Israel's membership as a means to end the conflict, not just manage it.