By Aamir Latif
KARACHI, Pakistan (AA) - Pakistan said on Thursday that it is sending the first batch of humanitarian assistance to the besieged Gaza Strip via Egypt.
A chartered plane carrying 100 tons of essential medical supplies, tents, and blankets will depart Islamabad for Egypt later Thursday. These items will be transferred to Gaza from Egypt, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said at a weekly news briefing in Islamabad.
"Pakistan remains concerned about the situation of our Palestinian brothers and sisters in Gaza. We strongly condemn the Israeli aggression and blockade, particularly the recent attack on a Gaza hospital,” she said, adding that Tel Aviv's actions "violate international humanitarian and human rights law."
Islamabad called Israel's "deliberate" attacks on civilian targets "war crimes and crimes against humanity," and demanded an immediate cease-fire, an end to the siege of Gaza, and the facilitation of humanitarian corridors for unrestricted relief supplies.
The conflict in Gaza, under Israeli bombardment and blockade since Oct. 7, began when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea, and air. It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers.
The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.
Gaza is experiencing a dire humanitarian crisis, with no electricity, while water, food, fuel, and medical supplies are running out.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire” to ease the “epic human suffering.”
At least 3,478 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza, while the figure stands at more than 1,400 people in Israel.