On January 3, 2025, Pakistan strongly condemned Israel’s deliberate targeting of hospitals and healthcare workers in Gaza. Ambassador Asim Iftikhar, Pakistan’s alternate permanent representative to the United Nations, stressed the necessity for independent investigations. He called for transparent investigations into the attacks on Gaza’s health infrastructure. This call came as the UN Security Council convened in an emergency session. The session addressed the ongoing collapse of Gaza’s healthcare system.
Pakistan highlighted that the systematic targeting of hospitals, medical staff, and patients violates international humanitarian law. In his remarks, Ambassador Iftikhar demanded accountability for these crimes. He emphasized that merely condemning these actions is insufficient. The international community must hold perpetrators responsible for the atrocities. They have committed these crimes against civilians and healthcare facilities in Gaza.
The UN meeting, requested by Algeria, discussed the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza. The session included briefings from senior officials of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. WHO representative Rik Peeperkorn reported alarming data on health casualties in Gaza, while High Commissioner Volker Turk highlighted the ongoing human rights violations.
Ambassador Iftikhar pointed to the brutal destruction of Kamal Adwan Hospital in Northern Gaza, which he called an atrocity shocking to humanity. Between October 2023 and June 2024, more than 136 attacks on Gaza’s healthcare facilities were recorded, leaving over 500 healthcare workers dead. Furthermore, Gaza’s healthcare system is on the verge of collapse, with 22 out of its 38 hospitals rendered non-functional.
In addition to medical attacks, Pakistan condemned Israel’s broader military campaign in Gaza, which has caused immense destruction. Ambassador Iftikhar emphasized the scale of violence and its genocidal intent, as over 45,000 Palestinians have been killed, and more than 90% of Gaza’s population has been displaced. This situation has resulted in the destruction of critical infrastructure, including homes, schools, and hospitals, leaving millions without access to basic services.
Despite several UN Security Council resolutions, the international response has been insufficient. The Council’s failure to take decisive action undermines its authority, according to the Pakistani envoy. He demanded an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza, urging the international community to stop the bloodshed and destruction. Furthermore, he called for lifting the blockade on Gaza to allow the flow of humanitarian aid and medical supplies.
Ambassador Iftikhar also stressed the importance of rebuilding Gaza’s shattered healthcare system as part of reconstruction efforts. Pakistan supports a two-state solution for Palestine, in line with relevant UN resolutions, advocating for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. He further called for the recognition of Palestine as a full UN member state.
In conclusion, Pakistan called on the UN Security Council to act decisively to end the suffering in Gaza. The international community must uphold humanitarian law, protect healthcare workers, and hold Israel accountable for its actions. As Ambassador Iftikhar stated, “The bloodshed must end, and the suffering of innocent civilians must cease.”
