ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United Nations Maleeha Lodhi onThursday condemned the atrocities committed by the Israeli military inGaza, while addressing an emergency session of the Organisation of IslamicCountries (OIC).

She stated that ‘one member state’ (USA) of the UN security council blockeda Kuwaiti-led UN resolution which was supported by 14 member states, aimedat condemning Israel and its violent military actions in Gaza.

Lodhi further added that Pakistan fully supports the Palestinians, andcriticised the UNSC for remaining silent and not openly condemning Israelfor its brutal show of force in Gaza.

She further demanded that UNSC should conduct a fair and transparentinvestigation into Israel and its military actions in Gaza.

The clashes on the Gaza border erupted after the United States moved itsembassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, an act recognising the city as thecapital of Israel.

A brutal military crackdown ensued on the Gaza border, leading to the deathof 60 Palestinians, while 2700 were injured as a result of the firing andtear gas deployed by the Israeli military.

Jerusalem’s status is perhaps the thorniest issue in theIsraeli-Palestinian conflict. Pakistan will show its support by observingMay 18 as an expression of solidarity with Palestine. APP