On Wednesday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed strong condemnation of the Israeli actions that are undermining the operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) within the occupied Palestinian territory. In a statement shared on X, the Prime Minister emphasized the grave implications of Israel’s actions, which obstruct vital relief assistance from reaching millions of vulnerable Palestinians. He characterized these measures as not only a significant violation of international humanitarian law but also a breach of the UN Charter, urging the international community to hold Israel accountable for these transgressions.
This condemnation follows the recent confiscation of land in occupied East Jerusalem, where the UNRWA headquarters is situated. The Israeli government intends to develop 1,440 settlement units on this land, which are deemed illegal under international law. This decision is a part of a broader narrative in which the rights and needs of the Palestinian people continue to be disregarded amid escalating tensions.
Disturbing statistics from Palestinian health authorities reveal that over 13,300 children have been confirmed killed in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Tragically, the number of casualties is likely higher, as many more children are suffering from diseases exacerbated by a failing medical infrastructure, along with severe shortages of food and clean water. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is deepening, drawing immediate concern from global observers.
In a related statement, the Foreign Office reiterated the condemnation of Israel’s actions, describing them as yet another violation of international law and the UN Charter. The Foreign Office pointed out that obstructing UNRWA’s operations represents a systematic campaign by Israel to deny crucial humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people. The statement urged the international community, and particularly the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), to take decisive actions to hold Israel accountable and ensure that UNRWA can operate freely, in line with the provisions set out in UN General Assembly Resolution 302 (IV) of 1949.
Furthermore, the Foreign Office called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza and emphasized the need for unrestricted humanitarian assistance to alleviate the profound suffering experienced by the people in the region. The urgency of these calls reflects a growing concern that the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, jeopardizing the lives and well-being of countless individuals.
