ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday urged world powers to play their role in ending Israel’s war on Gaza, as the Jewish state pushes on with its military campaign in Rafah despite global protests and outrage.
The prime minister’s televised comments came as Israel ramped up its military operations against Hamas in Rafah, which it launched earlier this month.
Israel has vowed to destroy the remaining Hamas battalions in the city in southern Gaza, where it says it believes Israeli hostages are also being held. Its offensive in Rafah since last week has killed dozens of Palestinians as NGOs and professional unions declared Gaza a “famine-stricken” zone.
Israel’s war on Gaza, which is about to enter its eighth month, has caused widespread outrage in many parts of the world owing to mounting civilian casualties. Israel has killed over 36,000 people in its military campaigns, including women and children, in Gaza since Oct. 7 when it retaliated to a surprise attack from Hamas.
“I urge world powers to play their role in helping Palestinians get their rights,” Sharif said on Thursday. “We pray to God to bring a halt to this unjust war.”
Sharif lauded the governments of Norway, Spain and Ireland for recognizing Palestine as a state, hoping others would follow suit.
“I believe this will give courage to other states to raise their voice with these European nations to demand a separate, independent homeland for Palestinians and will also put in efforts to do so,” he said.
The Pakistani prime minister thanked Muslim states for raising their voices for the people of Palestine at global forums such as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the United Nations.
“The Saudi crown prince is taking the lead in this and also Qatar, UAE, Kuwait and other countries are involved too,” he said.
Pakistan does not have diplomatic relations with Israel. The South Asian country has called for an unconditional ceasefire and a separate homeland for Palestinians according to the wishes of the Palestinian people.
