Accountability is essential for Israel’s war crimes and acts of genocide against Palestinians:PM Shehbaz

Islamabad: Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, has stated that full and credible accountability, in accordance with international law, is necessary for Israel’s war crimes and acts of genocide committed against the Palestinian people.

According to details, in his message on the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, the Prime Minister reaffirmed his commitment to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state and called for accountability for Israeli atrocities.

In his statement, the Prime Minister said that the Government and the people of Pakistan stand with unwavering resolve alongside their Palestinian brothers and sisters. For decades, the Palestinian people have faced deprivation of their right to self-determination, the occupation of their land, and the destruction of peace.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif further said that in recent years, more than 70,000 people in Gaza including children, women, and men  have been martyred. Entire communities have been destroyed; families wiped out; and homes, hospitals, schools, and essential civilian infrastructure reduced to rubble. Despite this immense suffering, the Palestinian people have shown extraordinary courage and resilience.

He described the high level conference on the two-state solution and the Gaza Peace Initiative as an important opportunity, stressing that the ceasefire must be upheld.

He emphasized that there should be no hindrance or political interference in the work of UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees. He said that Israel must halt all violations and ensure uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid.

In his message, the Prime Minister said that the Palestinian people deserve lasting peace and prosperity, which requires the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from all Palestinian territories, including Gaza.

He warned that the world must not lose sight of the deteriorating situation in the West Bank and the ongoing expansion of illegal Israeli settlements.

In his statement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated that Pakistan is committed to a just, lasting, and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council and General Assembly resolutions. Pakistan fully supports the right of Palestinians to self determination and the establishment of an independent, viable, and contiguous State of Palestine, based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif concluded by saying that today and always Pakistan stands with the Palestinian people and will continue to support their legitimate struggle for freedom, dignity, and peace.