Pakistan condemns Israel’s military operations in Gaza and West Bank

• FM Dar condemns Israeli aggression, reaffirms Pakistan’s unwavering support for Palestinians

• Denounces Gaza, West Bank strikes despite fragile ceasefire, urging global action to protect Palestinian civilians

 ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Sunday strongly condemned Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza and the West Bank, reaffirming Islamabad’s unwavering diplomatic and moral support for the Palestinian people, the Foreign Office said.

The condemnation comes amid continued Israeli operations despite a fragile ceasefire in Gaza that has been in place since last year. According to Palestinian health officials, two Israeli air strikes on police checkpoints on Sunday killed at least six Palestinians, including a child. Violence in the West Bank — a Palestinian territory occupied by Israel since 1967 — has also intensified since the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas on Israel.

The Foreign Office statement followed bilateral talks between Dar and Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty in Islamabad, held ahead of a key quadrilateral meeting involving Pakistan, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Egypt to deliberate on the evolving Middle East situation.

“The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people and strongly condemned the continued aggression by Israeli occupying forces in Gaza and the West Bank,” the statement said.

Dar also appreciated Egypt’s efforts in facilitating humanitarian assistance for the people of Gaza, recognising Cairo’s role in relief and mediation initiatives during the ongoing crisis.

During the talks, both sides exchanged views on regional and international developments, with particular focus on the Middle East. They underscored the urgent need for restraint, de-escalation, and the resolution of disputes through dialogue and diplomacy.

According to Palestinian health authorities, more than 680 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since a ceasefire with Hamas came into effect in November 2025. The overall death toll since the outbreak of war in October 2023 has surpassed 72,000, highlighting the scale of the humanitarian crisis.

Israel has also expanded its military footprint beyond Gaza, engaging in hostilities alongside the United States against Iran, while launching a fresh campaign against Hezbollah, including incursions into southern Lebanon.

Pakistan, which does not recognise Israel, has consistently criticised Israeli military actions and alleged ceasefire violations in Gaza. Islamabad has repeatedly called on the international community to intervene, ensure an immediate cessation of hostilities, and guarantee protection for Palestinian civilians in accordance with international law.