In his address at the Extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh on Monday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the urgent need to implement the resolution passed by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) following the pivotal advisory ruling by the International Court of Justice.
PM Shehbaz also called for a thorough review of Israel’s membership in the UN, describing the ongoing humanitarian disaster as reaching unprecedented levels, fueled by Israel’s aggression in Gaza. He highlighted that for over a year, Gaza and the wider occupied Palestinian territories have been trapped in a continuous cycle of suffering, with families torn apart, homes destroyed, and countless lives lost.
He questioned how long the world could ignore the destruction of hospitals while mothers hold the lifeless bodies of their children. The prime minister reaffirmed that both the International Court of Justice and the global media have correctly labeled these actions as genocide. Israel, he stated, has violated all moral principles, day after day.
PM Shehbaz criticized the world’s inaction, which has emboldened Israel to continue demolishing homes and disregarding calls for a ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian aid, and the protection of civilians. He pointed out that Israel continues to receive advanced weaponry, a clear sign of international backing, while international humanitarian laws designed to protect the vulnerable have been utterly disregarded.
“Pakistan remains unwavering in its support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination,” he affirmed.
The prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s firm stance on establishing an independent, viable, and contiguous Palestinian state, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital, based on pre-1967 borders, describing it as the only path to justice and lasting peace in the region.
PM Shehbaz also condemned Israel’s recent strikes against Iran, calling them a blatant violation of sovereignty and territorial integrity, and denounced Israel’s aggression against Lebanon, expressing full solidarity with the Lebanese people. He warned that Israel’s escalating actions pose a grave threat that could lead to a wider conflict.
The prime minister expressed hope that the summit would transform words into decisive action, urging leaders to go beyond mere condemnation and swiftly take steps to secure justice and dignity for the Palestinian people and all those oppressed.
He also extended deep gratitude to the wise leadership of Saudi Arabia for hosting the summit.
