UNITED NATIONS, OCT 5: Pakistan on Monday asked the UN Security Council to demand Israel to withdraw its forces from occupied Gaza territories and halt its deliberate policy of unleashing death and destruction against Palestinians.

"The Security Council has a political, moral and legal obligation to demand that Israel respect its obligations under international law especially international humanitarian law," said Pakistan's UN Ambassador Munir Akram.

Addressing the emergency session of the Council called to consider an Arab-sponsored resolution on the situation in occupied territories, Mr Akram said Israel should be asked to fulfil its roadmap obligations particularly relating to the withdrawal of its troops from occupied Palestinian territories as well as construction of illegal settlements. Israel must carefully consider the short and long term implications of its actions and policies.

Underscoring that the tragedy of Palestine is an open wound inflicted on the psyche of every Muslim, Mr Akram said Pakistan believed that an end to the cycle of violence between Israel and occupied Palestinians could help the implementation of the roadmap and realization of the vision of a two-state solution in accordance with Security Council resolutions 242, 338 and 1515.

"Unfortunately, instead of proceeding on the roadmap to peace, the Israeli government has reacted once again by launching a cruel and ill-considered offensive, killing over 80 Palestinians since last Wednesday.

Innocent people, including women and children, have borne the brunt of the military might that Israel has brought to bear in densely-populated areas of Jabaliya and Beit Hanoun to secure what has been described as its right to self-defence," he noted.

"No one can justify the killing of innocent civilians. That's why we condemn terrorism. But, the rationale of the right of self-defence cannot be invoked for attacks that cause mainly civilian casualties," he added.

Mr Akram observed as an occupying power, Israel is bound by the Geneva Conventions especially the Fourth Geneva Convention. Grave violations amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity."

He stressed the real cause of insecurity for Israel as much as the Palestinians is Israel's illegal, protracted and forcible occupation of Palestinian territories.

"The uninterrupted policy of illegal settlements has added insult to the injury caused by continued occupation. The construction of a separation wall in defiance of the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice is a manifestation of the objective of permanent annexation of occupied Palestinian territories," he said.