UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan on Sunday strongly condemned Israel’s systematicassault against Palestinian worshippers in the Haram-al-Sharif and itscontinued policy of expansion of its illegal settlements.

In a rejoinder to the UN Security Council, Pakistan appreciated thecouncil’s decision to hold a meeting to discuss the extremely gravesituation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Jerusalem, adding: “itis regrettable that the Council has been unable to even hold this meetingand to take action to halt Israeli aggression for so long.”

Pakistan condemned Israel’s use of indiscriminate and disproportionateforce, including aerial bombing, resulting in the deaths of nearly 200Palestinians, including dozens of women and children, as well asdestruction of civilian infrastructure.

“We also strongly condemn: Israel’s deliberate and systematic assaultagainst Palestinian worshippers in the Haram-al-Sharif, including theAl-Aqsa mosque during the holy month of Ramadan; its violation of thesanctity of these holy sites,” the statement said.

Pakistan noted that Israel was following a deliberate policy of expandingillegal settlements; forced evictions of Palestinians, and demolition oftheir homes. Targeting journalists and international media outlets in theoccupied Palestinian territories was also a part of this policy, Pakistansaid.