‘Humanitarian crisis beyond imagination’ in Gaza, says PM Shehbaz at Riyadh summit

Riyadh
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif delivered a speech to the Arab-Islamic Summit on Monday, denouncing Israeli aggression in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran and reiterating Pakistan’s “unwavering support” for the people of Palestine.
Arab and Muslim leaders have gathered in Saudi Arabia on Monday for a summit addressing the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, a chance to send a message to US president-elect Donald Trump.
PM Shehbaz, who left for Riyadh on Sunday, addressed the summit and pointed out the rapidly deteriorating situation in Gaza.
“The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached a level beyond imagination,” he said. “For over one year, the occupied Palestinian territories, especially Gaza, have fallen in endless darkness and despair with devastated homes, lives lost and families torn apart.
“These atrocities committed against the Palestinians have rightfully been labelled as genocide, not only by the media but the International Court of Justice,” the prime minister added.
“With each passing day, every moral code is flagrantly violated by Israel. yet the killing and destruction continue with no end in sight. I ask … how long will this annihilation be ignored?”
PM Shehbaz then noted that Israel has become emboldened by the “world’s indifference and inaction”, lamenting that calls for a ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian relief have fallen on deaf ears.
“The most sophisticated weapons continue to be supplied to Israel. Indeed, it has been assured of unconditional assistance and protection,” he said.
“International humanitarian laws meant to protect the vulnerable have been torn to shreds,” PM Shehbaz said. “Humanity is being tested and failing. Is it any wonder then that after decades of suffering and oppression, the spirit of resistance remains unbridled?”
The prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s commitment and unwavering support to “establish an independent, viable and contiguous State of Palestine with Al-Quds Sharif (Jerusalem) as its capital, based on the pre-1967 borders.” He stated that Palestinian self-determination is “the only avenue towards justice and durable peace in the Holy Land”.
The PM also condemned Israeli military action in Iran and Lebanon, warning: “Such escalations constitute a dangerous threat that could unleash a broader war.”
“As the Ummah, we are bound by duty, by faith and by our conscience to stand resolutely with the people of Palestine more than ever before,” Shehbaz said. “We must not let this systematic genocide and aggression persist.”
Israel’s retaliatory campaign against Hamas’s attack last year on Israel has killed more than 43,600 people in Gaza, most of them civilians, according to data from the territory’s health ministry that the United Nations considers reliable.
The Oct 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel had resulted in 1,206 deaths, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures.
Lebanon-based Hezbollah began firing on Israel after the October 7 attack. The regular cross-border exchanges escalated in late September when Israel intensified its air strikes and sent ground troops into southern Lebanon.
“Let this summit be a moment to transform our voices into actions,” the PM said. “Together, we must move beyond condemnation and act swiftly to uphold justice and dignity for the people of Palestine and all those who face oppression.”
“May our unity today be the dawn of Palestine’s freedom.”