Indispensable Palestinian state

Pakistan has once again stated the obvious as it called for creation of an independent Palestinian State. The UN General Assembly resolution passed with an overwhelming vote on Tuesday comes as a warning statement that Israel cannot continue to linger on with occupation, and it's time for withdrawal and a peaceful settlement of the territorial dispute.

The momentum gets an impetus from the recent ceasefire announced in Gaza and the multinational plan to rehabilitate the Gazans, disarm the militias and bring an end to the Jewish state encroachment. As 151 countries voted in favour with 11 abstaining and 11 voting against the resolution, it squarely reflected that Tel Aviv is on a losing streak and the only way for it is to respect international law, and stand accountable for the excesses committed against the Palestinians.

This negation of inalienable right to self-determination has been the root-cause of the dispute, turning the Middle East into the most vulnerable and volatile regions of the world. Moreover, Israeli genocide, transgression and prolonged occupation has polarised the world and stirred a civilisational debate. The fact that the Western audience has stood with Palestinians is a game-changer, and it's high time the UNGA and the Security Council coordinated their roles and resolved this dispute amicably.

The resolution, as stated and endorsed by Pakistan, is more than a statement of principle, and a grim reminder that the world must act to keep its promises for peace and security. The desired path should be to fully implement the peace accord signed between Hamas and Israel, and kick-start credible negotiations on "all final status" issues in the Mideast. The proposed convening of an international conference in Moscow, as envisioned by Security Council resolution 1850 (2008), is the way ahead for attaining a lasting and comprehensive peace settlement.

The thrust of the world community should be on maintaining pressure on Israel so that it abides by its commitment for Palestinian rights, culminating in a Two-State solution.