Pakistan expressed deep disappointment over the UN Security Council’s failure to call for a ceasefire in Gaza, where Israel’s ongoing bombardments have reportedly claimed over 17,000 lives. Despite the UN Secretary-General’s warnings and the invocation of Article-99 of the UN Charter, the Council has not fulfilled its responsibility to maintain international peace and security, according to the Pakistani Foreign Office.
The statement emphasized the unprecedented and unacceptable collective punishment faced by the people of Gaza, calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe. Pakistan urged the UN Security Council to intervene, ending the conflict and protecting the people of Gaza from potential genocide.
The spokesperson warned that the continuation of Israel’s campaign could lead to prolonged human suffering, with massive civilian casualties and forced displacement. Additionally, it could escalate into a broader and more perilous conflict. The responsibility for contributing to the prolonged bombing of Gaza was laid upon those involved.
This statement followed the United States’ veto of a UN resolution for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, despite support from the majority of Security Council members and many nations. The US veto thwarted efforts by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who had warned that the ongoing conflict in Gaza could threaten global peace and destabilize the Middle East.
Israel’s two-month campaign in Gaza, marked by the release of hostages by Hamas and increased humanitarian aid, was disrupted by Israel on December 1. The Gaza health ministry reported 350 people killed on Thursday, bringing the death toll to 17,487, with thousands more missing and presumed buried under rubble.
