In a powerful address at the United Nations, Pakistan has forcefully denounced the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, describing it as a “stain on the collective conscience of humanity.” The country’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmed, delivered an impassioned speech during the resumption of the tenth emergency special session of the UN General Assembly on the situation in Palestine, emphasizing the urgency for immediate global intervention.
Grave Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
Ambassador Ahmed began by highlighting the horrifying toll of the war in Gaza. He stated that over 55,000 people have been killed so far, including 18,000 children and 28,000 women, painting a grim picture of the human suffering caused by the ongoing Israeli military offensive. He described the situation not merely as a humanitarian crisis, but as “the downfall of humanity.”
According to Ahmed, the entire infrastructure in Gaza has been devastated. Residential homes, hospitals, schools, places of worship, and even cultural heritage sites have been systematically razed. The destruction has left millions without access to essential services. He further noted that famine looms large over the region, as humanitarian access continues to be restricted and aid workers and UN personnel are being targeted relentlessly.
A Challenge to the International System
The Pakistani envoy criticized the lack of effective global response and questioned the credibility of the existing international legal and multilateral systems. “The credibility of the international system — especially the multilateral system — is being tested,” he declared, adding that the occupying power, referring to Israel, “is guilty of the worst violations of international law.”
Ambassador Ahmed emphasized that it is absurd for the perpetrators and their defenders to blame the rest of the world. He insisted that the UN General Assembly, being the most democratic and representative institution of the United Nations, must act where the UN Security Council has failed due to geopolitical paralysis and veto politics.
The Importance of Moral Clarity and Legal Integrity
Ambassador Ahmed warned against moral bankruptcy in the face of such extreme violations of international humanitarian law. He urged all member states to act with moral clarity, legal integrity, and political will that transcend political pressures and vested interests. “We must not let history judge us as silent spectators to genocide,” he stressed.
He referenced the resolution titled “Protection of civilians and observance of legal and humanitarian obligations”, adopted by the General Assembly the previous week, and described it as a crucial step in the international response. Pakistan was proud to support and co-sponsor the resolution, which laid out a series of demands and principles aimed at mitigating the crisis.
Key Points of the UNGA Resolution
The resolution, which received broad international backing, included the following major points:
- Immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
- Release of all hostages taken during the conflict.
- Condemnation of hunger as a weapon of war.
- Unhindered humanitarian access for aid organizations.
- Adherence to international law and the need for accountability for violations.
Ambassador Ahmed stressed that this was not simply a matter of political disagreement, but a situation of illegal occupation. He underscored the responsibilities of Israel as the occupying power under international law, including the Fourth Geneva Convention and UN Charter principles.
Pakistan’s Clear Position on Gaza and Palestine
Reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people, Ambassador Ahmed reiterated Islamabad’s stance:
- Call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza.
- Full implementation of UNGA Resolution 2735.
- Complete lifting of the blockade of Gaza to ensure free and unimpeded access for humanitarian aid.
- Restoration of funding and operational access for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), rejecting any political campaign to delegitimize it.
- End of the illegal Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.
- Establishment of an independent, sovereign, and contiguous Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif (Jerusalem) as its capital.
This position aligns with the broader sentiment in much of the Global South, where countries have increasingly spoken out against what they see as double standards in international human rights enforcement.
The Road Ahead: High-Level Conference on Palestine
Looking toward a diplomatic resolution, Ambassador Ahmed expressed hope in the upcoming High-Level Conference on Palestine and the Two-State Solution, which is to be co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia in the coming weeks.
He emphasized that the conference must produce tangible outcomes, including a credible pathway to lasting peace, full UN membership for the State of Palestine, and a clear reaffirmation of the global consensus on the two-state solution.
“This will be another clear expression of where the international community stands on this issue,” said the ambassador.
Background: Gaza Crisis and Global Outcry
The latest escalation in Gaza began in October 2023 following Hamas’ unprecedented attack on Israeli territory. In retaliation, Israel launched a full-scale military campaign across Gaza. Since then, the conflict has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, millions displaced, and the collapse of basic civil infrastructure.
The United Nations, various humanitarian agencies, and numerous countries have repeatedly called for a ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian access, but a binding resolution at the UN Security Council has been blocked multiple times due to the veto power of key allies of Israel, notably the United States.
Pakistan has consistently maintained a firm pro-Palestine position at all international forums, advocating for the rights of Palestinians and condemning Israeli occupation and military aggression.
Global Reactions and Divided Opinions
While many nations, especially in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, support calls for a ceasefire and humanitarian intervention, Western powers remain divided, with some continuing to back Israel’s “right to self-defense.” This division has hampered consensus at the Security Council, prompting countries like Pakistan to rally support at the UN General Assembly instead.
Human rights groups, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have described the situation in Gaza as approaching genocidal levels, citing indiscriminate bombing, collective punishment, and the targeting of civilians.
Conclusion: A Defining Moment for the World
As the death toll continues to climb and Gaza teeters on the brink of complete humanitarian collapse, Pakistan’s strong stance reflects a growing global frustration with inaction. Ambassador Ahmed’s speech served as both a moral indictment of the current international order and a call to action.
He concluded with a stark reminder: “This is a test of our humanity. The world must choose — silence or solidarity, complicity or courage, death or dignity.”
In urging the world to act decisively, Pakistan has placed itself firmly on what it believes is the right side of history, calling for justice, peace, and the restoration of Palestinian rights. Whether the international community will heed this call remains to be seen — but the urgency has never been greater.
