Pakistan, Afghanistan condemn Israeli aggression against Lebanon

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) – Extending support to Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, Pakistan and Afghanistan Tuesday condemned Israel for its ongoing military aggression and “barbaric attacks” against Beirut.

“This act of aggression against the Republic of Lebanon is a grave violation of the UN Charter and international law,” Foreign Ministry in Islamabad said.

“It is a dangerous escalation that has further endangered peace and security in an already volatile region,” it added.

The Israeli army launched waves of airstrikes in Lebanon since Monday morning against what it called Hezbollah targets amid an escalation in warfare between the two sides.

Lebanese authorities said at least 558 people, including 95 women and 50 children, were killed and 1,835 others injured.

“We call upon the international community to take urgent steps to hold Israel to account for its alarming adventurism in the region and its acts of aggression and genocide,” said the Pakistani Foreign Ministry.

In Kabul, the Afghan Foreign Ministry said the failure to give a timely and serious response to the genocide by the Zionist regime in Gaza has led the regime to threaten the security of the entire region.

“The international community should urgently take responsible steps to prevent the crimes of the Zionist regime in Lebanon and Palestine and especially in Gaza and ensure the safety of civilians,” said the ministry.

*Aamir Latif contributed from Pakistan