Islamabad: Pakistan has condemned the assault on Palestinian worshippers by Israeli forces during the holy month of Ramadan, which resulted in injuries to more than 150 civilians.
“This highly condemnable assault on worshippers, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, is an egregious violation of all humanitarian norms and human rights laws by Israel in occupied Palestinian territories”, Pakistan Foreign Office said.
The official statement deplored the escalation of violence and said that Israeli forces have killed dozens and injured countless Palestinians in the occupied East Jerusalem and other areas in recent weeks.
Pakistan called upon the international community “to take urgent steps to protect innocent Palestinian lives, and uphold international law and principles of the UN Charter.” Pakistan also reaffirmed its consistent and unstinted support for the Palestinian cause and the realisation of their right to self-determination and a two-state solution, under relevant UN and OIC resolutions.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the raid on Al Aqsa Mosque by Israel and the escalation of violence by Israel which he termed a “gross violation of human rights and humanitarian laws.” He said that “Pakistan stands in solidarity with the Palestinians.”
Sadiq Sanjrani, Chairman Senate, the upper house of parliament, also criticised the Israeli aggression on Muslim worshippers at Al Aqsa Mosque. “The violence that took place at Al Aqsa mosque is a matter of great sadness,” he said. “We will stand with the Palestinian brothers in every difficult time” he stressed.
Pakistan’s political leaders also denounced Israeli attacks on the Al Aqsa mosque and demanded immediate action by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Pakistan’s former prime minister and chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan strongly condemned the attack by Israeli forces during the month of Ramadan. “Al Aqsa mosque is the third holiest site for Muslims and today Muslims across the world feel this hurt deeply,” he said in a tweet.
