Pakistan and seven other Arab and Islamic countries have jointly condemned Israel's actions in Gaza, describing attacks on civilians, hospitals and critical infrastructure as serious violations of international law and international humanitarian law.
The joint statement, shared by the Foreign Office spokesperson, also called for an immediate ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian access, and renewed efforts to achieve a lasting political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The joint statement was issued by the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Turkey, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
The eight countries strongly condemned Israeli military actions in Gaza, particularly the targeting of hospitals, medical centres and healthcare infrastructure, describing such attacks as grave violations of international law.
They also condemned attacks on civilian facilities and the killing of civilians, including women and children, saying such actions violate both international law and international humanitarian law.
Israeli actions blamed for undermining peace efforts
According to the Foreign Office spokesperson, the participating countries said Israeli actions are affecting the implementation of the comprehensive plan to end the Gaza conflict.
The statement noted that despite US President Donald Trump's announcement that Palestinian factions had agreed to a roadmap, continued Israeli military actions pose a serious threat to the peace process.
The countries said Israel's actions are sabotaging the political process, increasing regional tensions and further worsening the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Protection of civilians, humanitarian workers
The joint statement stressed that protecting civilians, hospitals, medical personnel and humanitarian workers is an obligation under international law.
It demanded the immediate, safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid, medical supplies and relief assistance throughout Gaza to address the worsening humanitarian situation.
The foreign ministers said the situation in Gaza cannot be viewed separately from settler attacks in the occupied West Bank.
They strongly condemned the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and attempts to alter the status of occupied Jerusalem.
According to the statement, Israel is undermining the two-state solution by changing realities on the ground through force.
The ministers added that attempts to deprive the Palestinian people of their legitimate rights violate United Nations resolutions and international law.
Security Council urged to act
The eight countries called on the international community, particularly the UN Security Council, to fulfil its legal and moral responsibilities.
They urged the Security Council to ensure Israel complies with international law, international humanitarian law and UN Security Council Resolution 2803.
The statement also emphasized the need to ensure accountability for those responsible for serious violations of international law.
Permanent ceasefire and Palestinian state
The joint statement called for effective international measures to secure a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and ensure the full implementation of the existing agreement.
The ministers rejected any attempt to annex occupied Palestinian territories or impose Israeli sovereignty over them.
They also categorically rejected any effort to forcibly displace the Palestinian people.
Reaffirming their long-standing position, the countries said the only just and lasting solution is the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The statement concluded that launching a serious political process aimed at achieving a two-state solution remains the only path toward a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the region.
