Pakistan slams Israel for using 'brutal' force against Palestinians

By Aamir Latif

KARACHI, Pakistan (AA) – Pakistan's President Arif Alvi on Wednesday denounced the use of "brutal" force against Palestinians, calling for the lifting of Gaza's siege and opening of a humanitarian corridor.

Talking to envoys of different countries at a presentation of diplomatic credentials ceremony at his office, Alvi said Pakistan is "seriously concerned at the incessant Israeli aggression against civilians, which had killed thousands of people including women, children, and elderly."

Calling upon the international community to condemn the continued Israeli aggression in Gaza, Alvi reiterated Islamabad's demand for "a total" withdrawal of Israel from all occupied Arab territories, including Jerusalem, as well as the establishment of an independent homeland for Palestinians with Al-Quds Sharif as its capital.

He said Islamabad is "closely" monitoring the situation in Palestine and wants the restoration of the inalienable rights of the people of Palestine.

This week the Israeli army expanded its air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip, which has been under relentless airstrikes since the Palestinian group Hamas launched a surprise offensive against Israel on Oct. 7.

Israeli airstrikes on Gaza have repeatedly targeted hospitals, residences, mosques, and churches. Under the Geneva Convention, attacks on hospitals are strictly prohibited.

More than 10,000 people have been killed in the conflict since then – 8,525 Palestinians, including 3,542 children, and 1,538 Israelis.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected international calls for a cease-fire.