Pakistan demands end to Israeli settlements

Pakistan on Tuesday called for a halt to the dramatic increase in illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories in accordance with the UN Security Council Resolution 2334 (2016).

"Any attempt to alter the demographic, legal or historical character of the occupied territories, including around Al-Haram Al-Sharif, is illegal and must be reversed," Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, permanent representative of Pakistan to the UN, said in the course of the quarterly debate on Council resolution 2334, which demands Israel cease settlement activity in Palestinian lands.

The Pakistani envoy stressed that no Security Council resolution can be unilaterally declared "outdated" as he strongly rejected Israel's refusal to abide by Resolution 2334.

"No resolution of the Security Council can be unilaterally declared outdated; They remain relevant and in force, until they are implemented," he added.

"The Palestinian people have endured decades of illegal occupation marked by dispossession, and denial of their inalienable rights," Ambassador Asim Ahmad told the Council, while reaffirming Pakistan's support to Palestinian people's inalienable right to self-determination through the establishment of an independent, sovereign State of Palestine.

"Pakistan's position remains principled and consistent."

"The ceasefire must be fully respected, with no unilateral military actions," the Pakistani envoy said, adding, "The withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza remains essential." APP