Pakistan has expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions in the Middle East, calling for an immediate de-escalation and peaceful resolution of conflicts.
The Foreign Office (FO) highlighted Israel’s recent military actions in Gaza and Lebanon, labelling them violations of international law and the United Nations Charter.
Violation of int'l norms
In a statement issued on Tuesday, FO spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch condemned Israel’s aggressive actions, which have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in the region. “The recent Israeli attacks in Gaza and Lebanon have intensified the suffering of innocent civilians,” she said.
The spox stressed the need for all parties involved to step back and work towards reducing tensions.
“Israel’s actions in recent months have flagrantly violated international laws and the UN Charter,” the spokesperson added, pointing to the grave impact on civilian populations, particularly in Lebanon, where the latest attack has led to widespread devastation.
The FO statement comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East. Israel has recently carried out attacks on four Muslim countries, including Palestine, Lebanon, Yemen, and Syria. The offensive in Lebanon, which included devastating air raids and a ground invasion, resulted in at least 95 deaths and 172 injuries.
The international community, Baloch urged, must take swift action to address the worsening situation and prevent further loss of life. She called for urgent diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis and ensure that humanitarian needs are met.
Adding to the unrest, Iran launched a barrage of ballistic missiles at Israel in retaliation for Israeli aggression. Israeli military officials confirmed that around 200 missiles were fired, though most were intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome defense system. While the missile strike caused minimal damage, the escalation has alarmed global powers.
In response, Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari assured the public that the Israeli Defense Forces are fully prepared to retaliate against Iran at the right time. Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden reiterated Washington’s commitment to supporting Israel’s defense and ensuring the safety of American troops stationed in the region.
