UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan has urged the creation of a specialised tribunal and accountability framework within the United Nations to investigate Israel’s atrocities, prosecute the perpetrators, and ensure reparations for damages and losses resulting from these crimes.

In his address to an emergency session of the UN General Assembly on Friday, Ambassador Munir Akram also stressed the importance of establishing an international protection mechanism to safeguard Palestinian civilians from ongoing attacks and oppression by Israeli forces and Jewish settlers.

The special emergency session, convened in response to a plea from the Arab and OIC groups, focused on the dire situation in Palestine, particularly in Gaza.

Speaking on behalf of a coalition of Arab, Muslim and other nations, Ambassador Akram outlined the devastating consequences of Israel’s relentless bombardments that have persisted for over two months.

The ambassador expressed deep concern for the tragic loss of 134 UN Relief Works Agency (UNRWA) staff members’ lives, the highest ever recorded in UN history. He acknowledged the crucial role played by UN agencies in providing humanitarian assistance, emphasising the urgent need for international action.

The statement condemned Israel’s actions as “flagrant violations of international humanitarian law, potentially amounting to war crimes, crimes against humanity, and even genocide.”

He also deplored the UN Security Council’s failure to call for a ceasefire on Dec 8, which, he said, was unjustifiable, and was “contributing to the prolongation of the crisis.”

Ambassador Akram welcomed diplomatic efforts, particularly those by the Ministerial Committee chaired by the Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, aimed at restoring and reinvigorating the peace process. He also underlined the need for an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The ambassador concluded with a call for the implementation of General Assembly resolution A/ES-10/22, seeking an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.

As the emergency session unfolded, the world watched with bated breath, awaiting concrete actions to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people and address the deep-rooted issues fueling the crisis. The international community faces a pivotal moment, with the fate of countless lives hanging in the balance.

Published in Dawn, December 17th, 2023