The Foreign Office (FO) has issued a statement calling for de-escalation in the Middle East after Iran fired a large salvo of missiles at Israel, inflaming regional tensions.

“Pakistan expresses deep concern over the escalating hostilities in the Middle East, urging all parties to prioritise peace,” the statement reads. “In recent months, Israel has increasingly acted in violation of international law and the UN Charter resulting in [a] grave humanitarian crisis.”

The FO slammed Israel’s “ongoing genocide” in Gaza and stated that it has endangered regional peace with its operations in both the enclave and Lebanon. “The prevailing culture of impunity and disregard for international law must be addressed urgently,” the FO stated.

“Pakistan reiterates its call for the UN Security Council to uphold peace and security in the region, safeguard Lebanon’s sovereignty, and put an end to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza,” the statement read, adding that Pakistan advocates for a two-state solution as the key to peace in the Middle East.