Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has reiterated Pakistan’s demand for a ceasefire in Gaza, calling for an end to “Israel’s genocidal campaign” in the enclave.

“Israel’s genocidal campaign against the Palestinians continues unabated, with over 55,000 Palestinians — mainly women and children — martyred and even a larger number injured in Gaza alone,” Dar lamented while addressing the Council of Foreign Ministers meeting, hosted by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

“Millions remain displaced, and entire communities and neighbourhoods have been reduced to rubble. Life-saving and humanitarian aid is being deliberately denied, along with [the] targeting of humanitarian workers.”

Dar noted that Pakistan co-sponsored a UN Security Council resolution for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza earlier this month, which was vetoed.

“We demand an immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, along with unfettered humanitarian access, and accountability for Israeli war crimes,” the foreign minister demanded.

“Lasting peace in the region cannot be achieved without allowing Palestinians their inalienable right to self-determination … for a viable, secure, contiguous, and sovereign State of Palestine, based on the pre-1967 borders, and with Al-Quds Al-Sharif (Jerusalem) as its capital.”