CAIRO (Urdu Times) PM Shehbaz urges global action against Israel’s violations, calls Gaza crisis ‘darkest chapter of modern history’ at D-8 Summit
By Rehan Khan
CAIRO: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday strongly condemned Israel’s ongoing military actions in Gaza, Lebanon, the West Bank, and Syria, calling on the international community to take decisive action to end the violence and deliver justice to the conflict-affected populations.
Speaking during a special session of the 11th D-8 Summit in Cairo, convened by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, the prime minister highlighted the dire humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza, calling it “one of the darkest chapters of modern history.”
He condemned Israel’s actions as flagrant violations of international law, United Nations resolutions, and directives from the International Court of Justice (ICJ). “History will bear witness to these pages tainted in the blood of innocents,” he said, emphasizing the global responsibility to confront these atrocities.
The prime minister voiced strong support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which he described as a critical lifeline for millions of displaced Palestinians. He denounced Israel’s attempts to undermine the organization, recognizing its role in providing vital aid amid the chaos in Gaza and the West Bank.
“As the violence continues to spread, threatening to destabilize the wider region, Pakistan’s stance remains unwavering on the need for a just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict,” PM Shehbaz stated. He reiterated Pakistan’s support for the establishment of a viable, sovereign, and contiguous State of Palestine based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital, as the only path to enduring peace.
The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s backing for all international mediation efforts aimed at achieving a ceasefire, acknowledging the contributions of Qatar and Egypt in this regard. “We deeply appreciate the efforts of the State of Qatar and Egypt,” he said.
Highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian relief, the prime minister emphasized the importance of rebuilding devastated regions. “Pakistan, alongside other nations, has already sent essential relief goods to Palestine through Egypt and Jordan. However, these efforts must be sustained to address the ongoing needs of millions of displaced families, particularly vulnerable women and children, who are enduring extreme hardship during harsh winter months,” he stated.
PM Shehbaz called on the global community to unite in the face of these atrocities, stressing, “The echoes and shrills of the innocent people of Gaza demand collective action to end the cycle of violence and liberation from Israel’s barbaric military and political dominance.”
The prime minister appealed to all nations to listen to the cries of the thousands of orphans, widows, and destitute children who have lost their loved ones and limbs to the violence. He urged swift action to bring an end to this “prolonged historic catastrophe,” insisting that the world must act now to secure the future of Gaza, Lebanon, and the broader Middle East.
