The Foreign Office (FO) has condemned the increasing Israeli hostilities in the occupied West Bank and called on the international community to take meaningful action.

“Israel is acting in complete disregard of International Law and humanitarian norms. The international community should take meaningful action to stop the expanding Israeli aggression which can trigger a wider and more dangerous conflict engulfing the entire region,” FO spokesperson Mumtaz Zahrah Baloch said.

She emphasised that Pakistan believes that lasting peace in the Middle East hinges on the peaceful and just resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in accordance with the relevant UNSC and OIC resolutions.

The spokesperson also welcomed the resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly on 12 December 2023, demanding an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire”, and “ensuring humanitarian access” to the people of Gaza.

“The UNGA resolution is a reflection of an international consensus and growing global public anger at the ongoing Israeli atrocities that have claimed the lives of more than 18,000 Palestinians, with about 8,000 children.

“It is critical that the international community brings an end to Israel’s war crimes and crimes against humanity against the Palestinian people,” Baloch added.