At a United Nations Security Council briefing on the Middle East, Pakistan strongly called for an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, alongside a complete Israeli withdrawal, the release of all hostages, and unrestricted humanitarian access to the besieged territory.
Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, emphasized that the taking of hostages is a clear violation of international law and wholly unacceptable. He urged the immediate release of all captives.
Ambassador Ahmad called for the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2735, which outlines a viable and actionable framework to end the hostilities and ensure the delivery of urgently needed humanitarian aid.
Referring to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), the ambassador warned that the worst-case scenario of famine is now materializing in Gaza. He noted that UNICEF has described the situation as a “perfect storm of suffering” for children, and the UN Secretary-General has characterized it as a “humanitarian catastrophe of epic proportions.”
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Highlighting the devastating toll, Ambassador Ahmad stated that at least 175 Palestinians, including 93 children, have died from starvation alone.
He concluded by urging the international community to act immediately to end what he called Israel’s “brutal and illegal war” and the unbearable suffering of the Palestinian people.