Select Language:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif strongly condemned Israel’s cabinet approval of a plan to take “illegal and illegitimate” control of Gaza, describing it as a dangerous escalation amid an already devastating conflict with Palestinians. He took to X (formerly Twitter) to warn that expanding military operations in Gaza would worsen the ongoing humanitarian crisis and undermine prospects for peace in the region.
He emphasized that the root of the tragedy lies in Israel’s prolonged and unlawful occupation of Palestinian lands, asserting that peace cannot be achieved as long as this occupation persists. Reaffirming Pakistan’s steadfast support for the Palestinian people, he reiterated their right to self-determination and the creation of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem (Al-Quds Al-Sharif) as its capital, in accordance with UN and OIC resolutions.
The prime minister called on the international community to act swiftly to stop Israel’s “unwarranted aggression,” protect civilian lives, and enable the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. His remarks followed Israel’s military announcement of plans to “assume control” of Gaza City under a new strategy approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet, drawing criticism from various international actors.
With nearly two years into the Gaza conflict, Netanyahu is under increasing pressure to broker a ceasefire, alleviating the humanitarian crisis faced by more than two million residents and securing the release of captives held by Hamas. The plan, labeled as a move to “defeat” Hamas, involves preparing to take control of Gaza City while distributing humanitarian assistance to civilians outside combat zones, according to Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office.
Earlier, Netanyahu expressed intent to seize complete control of the Gaza Strip but clarified that Israel does not plan to govern the area. “We want to keep it,” he said during an interview with Fox News, adding Israel seeks a security perimeter and aims to transfer governance to “Arab forces that will run it properly without threatening us.”
Israel previously occupied Gaza from 1967 until its withdrawal of troops and settlers in 2005. Netanyahu’s security cabinet reportedly adopted “five principles,” including demilitarization and establishing an alternative civil authority that is neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority.
The plan drew swift condemnation from around the world, with major countries like China, Turkey, the UK, and the United Nations raising concerns.
ChatGPT
Perplexity
Gemini AI
Grok AI
