Senate passes resolution condemning Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, Lebanon

Senate passed a unanimous resolution on Thursday condemning Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza and Lebanon, urging the international community to take immediate action to protect Palestinian lives and hold Israel accountable for war crimes.

The resolution, which was introduced by Senator Sherry Rehman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) on behalf of all political parties, denounced Israel's actions as a blatant violation of international law, particularly in its attacks on Palestine.

The Senate also condemned Israel’s exploitation of Syria’s political vacuum following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's government earlier this week.

“The Senate strongly condemns Israel’s blatant disregard for international law,” the resolution stated, also calling for Israel to be held accountable for its actions.

The Senate condemned the killing of United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) staff, with reports indicating that 249 UNRWA personnel had been killed by Israeli forces up to November 2023.

The resolution also highlighted the killing of over 180 journalists in Gaza and the destruction of vital infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and residential areas, as part of Israel's military campaign.

“The Senate reaffirms Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, recognizing it as a moral, political, and legal obligation,” the resolution read. Pakistan reiterated its commitment to the two-state solution for Palestine, based on internationally recognised borders and with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

Pakistan has consistently raised the issue of Israel’s actions at the United Nations, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and other multilateral platforms, urging international powers to stop the Israeli military actions in Gaza.

The resolution also called on the global community to uphold international humanitarian law and protect Palestinian lives. It further urged the international community to hold Israel accountable for its military actions, particularly those in Gaza and Lebanon.

Pakistan has been a vocal critic of Israel, which it does not recognise diplomatically, and has called for the creation of an independent Palestinian state based on the pre-1967 borders.

Since the beginning of Israel’s military operations in Gaza, Pakistan has dispatched 1,273 tons of humanitarian aid to the region, according to the National Disaster Management Authority.