Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, speaks at the UN Security Council meeting on the Israel-Iran conflict on June 13, 2025. Courtesy: X@PakistanUN_NY
UNITED NATIONS:
As the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories remains dire despite the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas on October 10, Pakistan has called for steps to ensure compliance with the ceasefire agreement to stop the bloodshed, ensure humanitarian aid and pave the way for the reconstruction of Gaza.
“Israeli airstrikes have killed and injured civilians, including children; more than three hundred Palestinians have reportedly been killed since the ceasefire was announced,” Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s permanent representative to the UN, told the UN Security Council on Tuesday.
“This reveals a stark truth: peace declared in words has not yet brought full protection and stability on the ground,” he said during a debate on the situation in the Middle East.
“Lives are still being lost, homes are still being demolished and families are still in fear,” the Pakistani envoy said, adding that settler violence in the West Bank has risen to “unprecedented” levels.
“Entire communities have been displaced, particularly in the northern West Bank, amid closures, raids and increasing intimidation.” said Ambassador Asim Ahmad. Palestinians, he added, must be allowed to return to their homes and societies must be able to function without constant fear.
Pakistan, he recalled, had welcomed the initiative and personal commitment of US President Donald Trump and the proposals to end the war, rebuild Gaza, prevent displacement, promote comprehensive peace and halt the annexation of the West Bank.
Throughout this period, Pakistan had been constructively engaged, consistent with its principled and longstanding support for the Palestinian people and their inalienable rights.
“Pakistan joined this process as it offers a path to Palestinian self-determination and statehood,” the Pakistani envoy added.
“To ensure that efforts translate into progress, resolution 2803 (2025) must be implemented in good faith, particularly to promote Palestinian-led and owned governance”, he said.
Ambassador Asim Ahmad called for full compliance with the ceasefire.
