PM demands immediate end to 'systematic slaughter' in Gaza

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday demanded an immediate end to the ongoing Israeli military offensive in the Gaza Strip, terming it "sys- tematic slaughter" and "blood- shed". The premier was addressing the plenary meeting for the UN General Debate as the second speaker at the 79th session of the 193-member United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. "This is not just a conflict, this is a systematic slaughter of innocent Palestinians. An assault on the very essence of human life and dignity, the blood of Gazan children stains not just the hands of the oppressors but also those complicit in prolong- ing this cruel conflict," the prime minister said as he blasted Israel for its actions. He said humanity was dimin- ished when the "endless suffering" of Palestinians was ignored. "It is not enough to condemn ... we must act now and demand an immediate end to this bloodshed. We must remember that the blood and sacrifice of innocent Palestinians will never go to waste. We must worry about their plight and difficulties and stand by them." a He said the world must work for durable peace for Palestine through a two-state solution. PM Shehbaz demanded that Palestine be immediately admitted as a full UN member. The prime minister said he was expressing "the searing pain and anguish of Pakistanis at the plight of Gazans". "Our heart bleeds as we witness the tragedy unfolding in the holy land. A tragedy that shakes the very consciousness of humanity and the foundation of this institu- tion." Prime Minister reiterated that Pakistan will give befitting response to Indian aggression as he highlighted the belligerence of the Modi-led government. Kashmir issue remains on the UN Security Council's agenda, point- ing to existing resolutions that affirm the right to self-determina- tion for the people of Kashmir. "It was agreed that Kashmiris would be granted their right to self- determination," Shehbaz Sharif said, while condemning the ongo- ing human rights violations by India in occupied Kashmir. Prime Minister Shehbaz con- demned the "malicious attempts" to alter the demographic composi- tion of occupied Kashmir, noting that non-locals are being resettled in the territory. He remarked that despite Indian oppression, the people of Kashmir continue to uphold the ideology of Burhan Wani. Shehbaz Sharif warned that India's aggressive ambitions pose a threat to regional peace, expressing regret that "India has not responded to Pakistan's positive proposals." He said the founder of the coun- try Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali The Prime Minister also men- Jinnah declared that Pakistan to tioned other global crises, includ- stand by the UN resolutions and ing the war in Ukraine, which he Pakistan has stood by this commit- said had compounded international ment unwaveringly. problems. He stressed that the He also emphasised that the global community must act to ensure lasting peace and stability. Reaffirming Pakistan's commit- ment to the UN Charter, the prime minister highlighted the numerous challenges facing the world today. "The current global situation pre- sents immense challenges, many of which have been exacerbated by climate change," he said. He condemned the ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza, stress- ing the devastating human toll. "We denounce Israel's continued aggression in Gaza," he remarked, adding that the tragic events in Gaza had "shaken humanity to its core." "No one can remain silent over the killing of innocent children, women, and defenceless civilians," Sharif declared, emphasising that those prolonging Israeli aggression had "blood on their hands" as well. "The blood of the Palestinians will not be in vain," the prime min- ister vowed, urging the interna- tional community to take meaning- ful action towards sustainable peace and a two-state solution. Prime Minister Shehbaz called for Palestine to be recognised as a full member of the United Nations.