The recent clashes in and around the Al Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem and Israeli forces’ onslaught against Palestinians and forays of drone and airstrikes in Lebanon and Syria have once again highlighted the long-standing conflict plaguing the Middle East.
The Al Aqsa Mosque is one of the three holiest sites in Islam and has proved a potential flashpoint if and when any attempt is made to undermine its sanctity or change its status quo. Any such attempt is bound to ignite religious and communal tensions and provoke a reaction from the Muslims worldwide.
Like other Muslim and non-Muslim countries, Pakistan has traditionally been vocal in its support for the Palestinian cause. The country’s leadership has condemned Israel’s latest actions in the strongest terms and expressed solidarity with the Palestinians and has called on the international community to take immediate measures to protect the rights of the Palestinians.
Pakistan’s stance on the Palestine issue is not new. The country has always been a staunch supporter of the Palestinian cause and has never recognized Israel as a legitimate state. Pakistan’s support for the Palestinians is not just a matter of political expediency; it is rooted in the country’s deep-seated commitment to the principles of justice, equality and human rights.
Palestinians have been forced out of their homeland, deprived of their land and subjected to unceasing repression, arbitrary arrests and collective punishment. They have seen entire neighborhoods being demolished to make way for illegal Israeli settlements.
The trigger for the latest flare-up was a combination of factors – an unprovoked action of Israeli police to shoot a Palestinian teenager and arrest of more than 350 people in Jerusalem.
The US, being Israel’s major benefactor, has long protected its closest ally and shown little concern for Palestinian rights. Many Western governments also side with the US in voicing support for Israel’s right to self-defence and against attacks by Hamas.
Nevertheless, countries like Norway and Ireland, both non-permanent members of UNSC, voiced concern for civilian casualties including children from Israeli airstrikes and asked that Israel cease its settlement activities. Russia has warned Israel that more civilian casualties in Gaza were intolerable and called for an end to violence.
Pakistan has consistently called for the establishment of a “viable, independent and contiguous” state of Palestine with pre-1967 borders and Jerusalem as its capital.
The Palestine issue requires concerted efforts from the international community to bring about a just and lasting resolution to the conflict. To this end, Pakistan has always used its diplomatic clout to mobilize support for the Palestinian cause and push for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Pakistan’s stance on the issue is a testament to its commitment to justice and human rights. However, more needs to be done to bring about a peaceful resolution to the conflict, and Pakistan must use its diplomatic channels to push for a just and lasting solution to the Palestine issue.
