Gaza has become a graveyard for innocent lives as well as for the int’l law: Ishaq Dar
Says over 60,000 Palestinians killed in Israel’s brutal military assault
Says any desecration of Al Aqsa Mosque is an intolerable provocation
Says Palestine is a priority for Pakistan
JEDDAH ( WEB NEWS )
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar has said that Gaza has become a graveyard for innocent lives as well as for the international law, particularly the International Humanitarian Law (IHL). Over 60,000 Palestinians – most of them women and children – have been killed in Israel’s brutal military assault. The systematic targeting of hospitals, schools, UN facilities, aid convoys and refugee camps are not incidental, these are wanton acts of collective punishment in full world view.
This was stated by Ishaq Dar while addressing the 21st Extraordinary Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) in Jeddah on Monday.
Ishaq Dar said that “at the outset, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the brotherly Republic of Türkiye, in its capacity as the Chair of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, the Islamic Republic of Iran and the State of Palestine, for convening this crucial meeting at a moment of profound urgency for the Muslim Ummah”.
Ishaq Dar said that “I would also like to thank the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the sagacious leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud, and Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, the Minister of Foreign Affairs for their continued support to the OIC and its endeavors for resolving the challenges facing the Ummah”.
Ishaq Dar said that our sincere gratitude also to Hissein Brahim Taha, the Secretary-General of the OIC, and his team for the meticulous preparations for this urgent session.
Ishaq Dar said that we meet here again as Gaza bleeds — under systematic, premeditated and deliberate violations of international law, including international humanitarian law, the UN Security Council resolutions and judgment of the ICJ. And all of this is being committed with impunity by Israel.
He said that Gaza is enduring a full-scale humanitarian catastrophe. For nearly two years, it has suffered indiscriminate bombardment, total blockade, and deliberate deprivation and starvation — while violence and dispossession escalate in the West Bank and Jerusalem.
He said that the so-called humanitarian system put in place by the occupying power is a cruel illusion. Famine is rampant. Civilians are being shot trying to collect food. The hunger crisis in Gaza has reached unprecedented and deeply alarming levels.
He said that against this backdrop, Israel exhibits its characteristic sordid insensitivity to international norms. In recent days, a slew of highly provocative and unwarranted statements has emerged from Israel which spotlight its growing disdain and absolute contempt for the international order. The brazen audacity of the so-called Israeli Cabinet, in unveiling its ominous plan to extend Israel’s full military control over Gaza as well as the Israeli Prime Minister’s recent allusion to the creation of a ‘Greater Israel’ provide an insight into Israel’s annexationist and rogue mindset.
Ishaq Dar said that Pakistan strongly condemns these highly escalatory and dangerous statements, calling for actions that will further aggravate the prevailing grave humanitarian situation and suffering of the civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, in addition to undermining international efforts aimed at achieving peace and stability in the region. We joined the statement issued by the Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee, along with other countries, in expressing strong condemnation and categorical rejection of the Israeli announcement, denouncing it as an unacceptable escalation and a brazen attempt to entrench illegal occupation by coercion.
Ishaq Dar said that Pakistan also fully endorsed and joined the statement issued by 31 Arab-Islamic countries along with the Secretaries General of the OIC, the League of Arab States and the Gulf Cooperation Council condemning the Israeli PM’s outrageous insinuation to the creation of a so-called ‘Greater Israel’. His statement constitutes a direct threat to Arab national security, to the sovereignty of states, and to regional and international peace and security.
Ishaq Dar said that as the Prime Minister of Pakistan has unequivocally stated: “the root cause of this ongoing tragedy is Israel’s prolonged, Illegal occupation of Palestinian territory. As long as this occupation endures, peace will remain elusive”. We fully stand by our brotherly Arab states in safeguarding their sovereignty against threats to their independence and territorial integrity.
He said that Pakistan expresses its deep appreciation to all the states and stakeholders that are playing a role in advancing peace in Gaza. Their ongoing contributions and steadfast support remain essential in the pursuit of stability and justice for the Palestinian people.
He said that Pakistan also welcomes the growing international momentum in support of the Palestinian statehood and full membership of the UN. We urge those states that have yet to recognize the State of Palestine to do so as soon as they can. We appreciate the convening of the International Conference on the Two-State Solution, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France, on 28 of July this year. I personally participated in the Conference. It did create a positive momentum. But we need to do more. It must now be followed up by coordinated international action to realize the long-overdue settlement, based on a viable, sovereign and contiguous State of Palestine, on the basis of pre-1967 borders, with Al Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
Ishaq Dar said “This is a defining moment for the Muslim Ummah. History will not judge us by our words but by our actions. The Palestinian people do not seek statements of sympathy; they need concrete measures to end their suffering and secure their liberation from Israeli occupation. The OIC must rise to this challenge with unity, resolve, and purpose. Another Nakba cannot, and must not, be allowed to happen”.
Ishaq Dar said the Palestinian question is a litmus test for the credibility of the so-called “rules-based order”. Failure to uphold the rights of the Palestinian people will embolden impunity and undermine the legitimacy of the very order we all claim to defend and uphold. To safeguard the global order and to move beyond the perpetual cycle of violence and destruction in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Pakistan reiterates the following seven urgent and essential steps:
* First, an immediate, permanent and unconditional ceasefire across Gaza and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, with full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2735;
* Second, unfettered, sustained and secure humanitarian access to all civilians in need, and the protection of aid workers, medical teams and the UN personnel. Pakistan has continued a steady dispatch of humanitarian goods for our brothers and sisters in Gaza;
* Third, renewed and reinforced international support to UNRWA, which remains indispensable to the survival of millions of Palestinians. The OIC fraternity must play a proactive role to this end;
* Fourth, an end to forced displacement, illegal settlement expansion and annexation of Palestinian land, particularly in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Israel’s declared intent to occupy Gaza city would be a deliberate attempt to obliterate Palestinian existence and heritage. It must be firmly opposed;
* Fifth, implementation of the Arab and OIC-led reconstruction plan for Gaza, which represents a vital framework for post-conflict recovery and rehabilitation, sustainable development, and the restoration of dignity of the people of Palestinian;
* Sixth, the revival of a genuine and time-bound political process to achieve a just, comprehensive and lasting two-state solution, in accordance with international law and relevant UN and OIC resolutions; and
* Seventh, accountability for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Israel must not be allowed to act with impunity in defiance of the UN Charter international law, including international humanitarian law and the binding measures of the International Court of Justice. The OIC must champion mechanisms to ensure justice and end to the culture of impunity.
“Let me also categorically state that any desecration of Al Aqsa Mosque is an intolerable provocation. The incursions by Israeli officials into Al-Quds Al-Sharif are a deliberate assault on Muslim settlements, a blatant violation of international law, and a direct challenge to the collective conscience of the Muslim Ummah. The OIC must remain vigilant and united in protecting Islamic and Christian holy sites against all attempts at unilateral alteration” Ishaq Dar said.
He said that the primary responsibility for ensuring global peace and security lies with the UN Security Council. The Security Council must be urged to impose a cost on Israel if it defies the demands and the will of the international community. The Council must enact enforcement measures including the deployment of an international protection force to save the besieged population in Gaza, as was also envisioned by the 20th Extraordinary Session of the CFM held in March earlier this year.
He said that Palestine is a priority for Pakistan. As a non-permanent member of the UNSC, Pakistan will continue to work with the OIC and Arab partners to mobilize global support for the Palestinian right to self-determination, justice and peace.
He said that the OIC must act with urgency and determination. We cannot remain a bystander. It is imperative to address and tackle the root cause to bring an end to the illegal Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories. It is time for credible action, to reaffirm our shared commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.
Ishaq Dar was received by the Secretary General OIC
Meanwhile Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar was received by the Secretary General of the OIC, Hissein Brahim Taha, and Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the OIC, Ambassador Fawad Sher, upon his arrival at the OIC Secretariat to participate in the 21st Extraordinary Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers.
Ishaq Dar meets with Saudi FM Faisal bin Farhan
Says we discuss the grave humanitarian situation in Gaza, including the ongoing genocide & famine
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar has said that he was pleased to meet Faisal bin Farhan, Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, on the sidelines of the OIC CFM emergency session in Jeddah on Palestine on Monday.
In a statement issued on X, Ishaq Dar said that we discussed the grave humanitarian situation in Gaza, including the ongoing genocide, famine and the urgent need for a permanent ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access, reconstruction, and lasting peace.
Ishaq Dar said that we also reviewed our brotherly bilateral ties in diverse areas and exchanged views on key regional and international developments of mutual interest.
Ishaq Dar, Iranian FM discuss the grave situation in Gaza
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar has said that he was glad to meet Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Monday on the sidelines of the OIC CFM emergency session on Palestine.
In a statement issued on X, Ishaq Dar said that we discussed the grave situation in Gaza, strongly condemning Israeli aggression, genocide and famine, and emphasized the urgent need for unhindered humanitarian aid and a lasting ceasefire.
Ishaq Dar said that recalling the recent high level exchanges including the recent visit of the President of Iran to Pakistan, we reaffirmed the close and brotherly ties between Pakistan and Iran. We also exchanged views on peace and security in the region and beyond, Ishaq Dar said.
Meanwhile Ishaq Dar held meeting with Foreign Minister of Somalia Abdisalam Abdi Ali on the sidelines of the 21st extraordinary session of the OIC CFM on Monday
In a statement issued on X, Ishaq Dar said that we discussed the situation in Gaza, condemned Israeli aggression, the resulting famine and humanitarian crisis, and stressed the urgent need for unimpeded humanitarian relief.
Ishaq Dar said that we also underlined the importance of strengthening our brotherly cooperation in trade, economic ties, and people-to-people exchanges. “I also expressed gratitude for Somalia’s solidarity with Pakistan during the recent floods” Ishaq Dar said.
Ishaq Dar meets Malaysian FM, urges humanitarian access for Gaza
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar met FM of Malaysia, Mohamad Haji Hasan on sidelines of 21st extraordinary session of the #OIC CFM.
“Expressing our firm solidarity with Palestine and deep concern over the situation in Gaza, we emphasized the urgent need for unhindered humanitarian access and a permanent ceasefire to pave the way for lasting peace,” he said.
“I fondly recalled Malaysia’s successful hosting of the ARF ministerial meeting in Kuala Lumpur in July and my interactions with the Malaysian leadership. We reaffirmed our commitment to further strengthening our close brotherly relations through high-level exchanges, expanding trade & economic ties, and promoting people-to-people contacts,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, Mohammad Ishaq Dar met again Md. Touhid Hossain, Advisor for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, on the sidelines of the 21st extraordinary session of the #OIC CFM, after holding extensive discussions with him during my visit to Bangladesh over the weekend.
“We expressed strong solidarity with the just cause of Palestine, underscoring the urgent need for unhindered humanitarian access, a permanent ceasefire, and lasting peace through a two-state solution,” he said.
“Reaffirming the new momentum in Pakistan–Bangladesh relations, we looked forward to seeing the fruits of our cooperation across diverse fields. Also agreed to work closely on strengthening bilateral ties and advancing regional cooperation for shared prosperity,” he concluded.