Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar has issued a strong call for an unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, emphasizing the need for immediate de-escalation of violence in the region. This appeal was made during his address at the extraordinary Open-Ended Meeting of the OIC Executive Committee in Jeddah.
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Deputy PM Dar outlined several measures that could be taken by the OIC if Israel fails to comply with the ceasefire demands. These include potential trade and oil sanctions aimed at coercing compliance. He also advocated for the return of control over the Rafah crossing to Egypt to facilitate better humanitarian assistance to Gaza.
During his speech, Dar called for the immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the start of reconstruction efforts as approved by the Security Council. He also pushed for the recognition of Palestine as a full member of the United Nations and the initiation of a diplomatic process to establish a two-state solution, with an independent Palestinian state within pre-1967 borders and Al Quds Al Sharif as its capital.
Highlighting the severity of the situation, Dar reported that 40,000 Palestinians have been killed, accusing Israel of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity. He condemned the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, describing it as a criminal act that violates international law.
Furthermore, Dar reflected on Pakistan’s commitment to global peace, especially as the country prepares for its upcoming term on the United Nations Security Council. He reiterated the importance of addressing longstanding disputes and conflicts, including those in Palestine and Jammu and Kashmir.