Pakistan reiterated its long-lasting position towards the Palestine and Israel conflict and extended support for Palestine's statehood with East Jerusalem as its capital.

President Arif Alvi said that progress towards peace cannot materialise without condemnation of the usurpation and brutalisation of Palestinian rights and people by Israel.

“Continuous annexation of land, illegal settlements, disproportionate reactions & killings,” he added.

“The result is no hope and no progress towards peace,” he added.

“Time has come to move forward in line with United Nations resolutions,” he added.

Alvi said the international community can play a big role today towards world peace.

Pakistan’s unambiguous and steadfast support to the Palestinian cause was well known. Pakistan has always supported the two-state solution, with East Jerusalem, the capital of the Palestinian State. Pakistan’s unequivocal position was demonstrated in the rejection of the US decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

MOFA closely monitoring the situation in Middle East

We are closely monitoring the unfolding situation in the Middle East and the eruption of hostilities between Israel and Palestinians. We are concerned about the human cost of the escalating situation.

Pakistan has consistently advocated for a two-state solution as the key to enduring peace in the Middle East, with a just, comprehensive, and lasting solution to the Palestinian question anchored in international law and in line with relevant United Nations and OIC resolutions. A viable, sovereign, and contiguous State of Palestine should be established on the basis of pre-1967 borders, with Al Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

We call on the international community to come together for the cessation of hostilities, protection of civilians, and for lasting peace in the Middle East.

Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq and former prime minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed their solidarity with the Palestine people.

Ending Israel's illegal occupation, settlement expansion on Palestinian land, and oppression against innocent Palestinians are key for peace, justice, and prosperity in the region. I am not surprised by today's events. What else can one expect when Israel continues to deny…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) October 7, 2023

Operation Al Aqsa Storm

Israel and Hamas are fighting again. Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, and Israel responded with airstrikes. At least 198 Palestinians and 250 Israelis have been killed, and more than 1100 have been injured.

The fighting comes after weeks of tension in the region.

Jewish settlers have been making provocative tours of the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex in occupied East Jerusalem and there has been an increase in Israeli settler violence against Palestinians.

The armed branch of the Palestinian resistance organization Hamas - known as the Al-Qassam Brigades - stated on Saturday that they are continuing with their planned "Operation Al-Aqsa Flood" to hold Israel responsible for its acts of aggression.

Hamas says it is fighting to protect Al-Aqsa Mosque and to stop the settler violence.

Israel says Hamas started the conflict and that it will continue attacking until Hamas is "degraded".

The United States, the United Nations (UN) and other countries are calling for a ceasefire.

Read more: Nearly 300 Palestinians martyred, 250 Israelis killed as Israel, Hamas fight