Islamabad: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister called for immediate measures to address the escalating humanitarian emergency in Palestine at a meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Committee of Six on Palestine. He reiterated Pakistan’s steadfast support for the Palestinian people, emphasizing its significance to the OIC’s core mission. The minister highlighted the dire situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, particularly Gaza, where targeted attacks on civilian facilities have caused widespread suffering.

He referenced the International Court of Justice’s characterization of the situation as “plausible genocide” and condemned Israel’s military operations as a violation of international statutes, humanitarian principles, and ICJ directives. The minister denounced the collective repercussions imposed on the besieged population, including indiscriminate attacks, food deprivation, forced displacement, and restricted aid access. He also cautioned against the increasing settler aggression and military offensives in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister declared this a pivotal juncture for the Middle East and the Muslim world. He urged the OIC to advocate for a lasting truce, unhindered humanitarian access, a halt to unlawful settlements and territorial annexation, the return of confiscated land and property, accountability for alleged war crimes, and the implementation of an international protection framework. He called for renewed backing for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), the restoration of Gaza following the Arab-OIC strategy, adherence to ICJ judgments, and the fulfillment of the Palestinian right to self-governance through the creation of an independent Palestinian state within the pre-1967 boundaries, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The OIC Committee of Six on Palestine is responsible for garnering political, diplomatic, and legal support for the Palestinian cause. The committee comprises Pakistan, Senegal, Guinea, Malaysia, the State of Palestine, and the OIC General Secretariat. It was formed in 1982 during the 13th Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers.