Pakistan condemns Israeli aggression against Palestinians

Islamabad, Jan 23 (UNI) Pakistan today condemned Israeli acts of aggression against Palestinians and demanded of the world community to ensure an urgent and complete lifting of Israeli blockade of the territory of Gaza.

Foreign Office spokesman Muhammad Sadiq said at a press briefing today that the international community should ensure immediate resumption of fuel, food and other humanitarian supplies to the suffering Palestinians.

He said Pakistan was deeply concerned over the deteriorating situation in Gaza as a result of Israeli blockade and attacks on the Palestinian territory.

These excessive acts constitute a flagrant breach of international norms and humanitarian law, he said.

The increased Israeli hostilities have exacerbated the humanitarian suffering and economic hardship of the Palestinians, he said, adding that the situation would lead to an escalation of tension in the region and undermine efforts for promoting a peaceful resolution of the Palestine issue.

He said Pakistan also called for a resolution of the Palestine issue as per UN resolutions, the Arab peace plan and other international peace efforts.

He said Iran has proposed a meeting of the Executive Committee of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) to address the issue of Israeli blockade of Gaza.

''Consultations are going on among member states Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Palestine, Azerbaijan, Malaysia, Uganda, Qatar and Senegal as well as the Secretary General of the OIC for the purpose,'' he said and hoped that the meeting could be held soon UNI XC SKB BD1800