Pakistan expresses concern over continued ceasefire violations in Gaza

[00:00:04]Thank you, Madam President. Let me [clears throat] also thank Under-Secretary-General Tom Fletcher for his briefing.

[00:00:11]And I also appreciate the intervention by Ms. Bushra Khalidi from Oxfam.

[00:00:19]Madam President, this is an important meeting.

[00:00:22]And the Council needs to keep the situation in Gaza under close watch.

[00:00:30]As we have heard, Gaza remains in a perilous state.

[00:00:35]Despite the endorsement of the comprehensive plan and subsequent adoption of Security Council Resolution 2803, ceasefire violations continue, and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains acute.

[00:00:52]Civilians continue to endure immense hardship marked by killings, deprivation, displacement, and an uncertain future.

[00:01:02]The Board of Peace has undertaken important efforts.

[00:01:06]And as reported, humanitarian indicators have shown progress compared to the pre-ceasefire period.

[00:01:13]However, these gains are overshadowed by the reality that nearly 2 million people still face in terms of dire conditions in Gaza.

[00:01:27]The efforts of the Board of Peace, the United Nations, and the international non-governmental organizations are all being undermined by the unlawful actions of the occupation authorities.

[00:01:44]President, the figures are deeply disturbing.

[00:01:48]Over 90% of Gaza's population is displaced, and only half of the hospitals are partly functional.

[00:01:58]Acute hunger affects hundreds of thousands. Daily meals have dropped from 1.5 million to 678,000.

[00:02:09]A reduction of over 50%.

[00:02:12]Overcrowding and poor sanitation are fueling disease outbreaks. More than 1 million children face displacement, malnutrition, and no access to health care or education.

[00:02:26]That is endangering an entire generation.

[00:02:32]President, the core issue is the arbitrary denial and delay of humanitarian access.

[00:02:39]A recurring pattern of Israeli policy and a direct violation of the occupying powers' obligations under international law.

[00:02:47]These illegal measures exacerbate civilian suffering and flagrantly violate the UN Charter, the Gaza peace plan, and resolutions of this council.

[00:02:58]Allow me to highlight a few points that must guide our collective action.

[00:03:04]First, immediate, unhindered, and unimpeded humanitarian access must be guaranteed.

[00:03:12]Aid flow must be facilitated without restrictions in line with international humanitarian law and resolutions 2720 and 2803.

[00:03:24]All crossings, including Rafa, must be opened and kept fully operational for aid, commercial supplies, and medical evacuations.

[00:03:33]Second, the blockade of Gaza has been an instrument of occupation and collective punishment for years now.

[00:03:42]By controlling access and movement, the occupying power perpetuates the suffering of 2 million Palestinians.

[00:03:51]This blockade is a clear violation of international law, including the Fourth Geneva Convention.

[00:03:57]Humanitarian access must never be weaponized.

[00:04:02]And this blockade must be lifted immediately.

[00:04:06]Third, humanitarian assistance must be unconditional.

[00:04:10]While political efforts continue, aid delivery must not be contingent on political considerations or sequencing.

[00:04:20]The comprehensive plan clearly stipulates that assistance throughout Gaza should proceed through the UN and its agencies without interference.

[00:04:30]Fourthly, the arbitrary classification of humanitarian items as dual use must cease. Such lists must not be opaque, subjective, or used to block essential goods.

[00:04:45]Fifth, critical funding shortfalls must be urgently addressed.

[00:04:50]The UN 2026 flash appeal remains only about 12% funded.

[00:04:56]The establishment of the Gaza reconstruction and development fund and the mobilization of $17 billion in in reconstruction pledges are welcome.

[00:05:07]We urge the swift mobilization of the required financial resources to bridge the funding gap.

[00:05:13]Sixth, UNRWA's role is indispensable. Israeli measures targeting UNRWA are illegal and undermine vital assistance.

[00:05:23]UNRWA's mandate, repeatedly reaffirmed by UN resolutions, must be implemented fully, safely, and without obstruction.

[00:05:33]Seventh, Israeli attacks on humanitarian and medical personnel must cease immediately.

[00:05:40]And any unlawful detention must end.

[00:05:44]Mr. President, the people of Gaza face unspeakable hardship.

[00:05:49]Yet, their survival reflects extraordinary resilience. Resolution 2803 must be implemented.

[00:05:59]This is a point highlighted by other council colleagues.

[00:06:04]This resolution must be fully implemented and lead to concrete steps towards a permanent ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access, immediate reconstruction without conditional delays, and a credible time-bound political process for Palestinian self-determination.

[00:06:25]We must also not forget the West Bank, where the situation is deteriorating amid escalating settler violence, displacement, and the continued expansion of illegal settlements.

[00:06:39]The group of eight Arab Islamic countries, which Pakistan also belongs, has issued a joint statement earlier today on the situation in West Bank.

[00:06:53]And President, ultimately, the solution, political solution to these humanitarian crises and to the core of the Palestinian question lies in ending the occupation and establishing a sovereign, independent, and contiguous state of Palestine on pre-1967 borders and Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

[00:07:24]This is the vision. This is the horizon which enjoys broad international consensus, and this is the goal towards which all our efforts must be directed. I thank you.