Twenty-one people, including journalists and rescue workers, were killed in the double airstrike on the medical facility. Israel’s military actions in Syria are also criticized by Pakistan as violations of international law. Pakistan called on the international community to hold Israel accountable for its military campaign in Gaza and the wider region on Wednesday, condemning Israel’s “unconscionable” attack on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. On August 25, a double Israeli airstrike on Nasser Hospital resulted in the deaths of 21 people, including journalists and rescue workers. This outraged people all over the world and brought renewed attention to the practice of targeting civilians and medical facilities. The strike prompted criticism from the United Nations, rights groups and foreign governments who called for independent investigations and protection of humanitarian zones in the war-battered Palestinian territory.
In a statement, the foreign office stated, “Pakistan strongly condemns the deadly Israeli airstrikes on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza, which claimed the lives of at least 21 individuals, including four journalists and a rescue worker.” It continued, “This unconscionable and heinous attack on a medical facility, as well as the continued targeting of civilians and journalists, represents a grave violation of international humanitarian law and freedom of the press.” In addition, the statement called Israel’s military actions in Syria a violation of international law and reiterated its support for Syria’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, urging global efforts to prevent instability in the region. On Monday, Syria said that Israel’s “military incursion” in the Damascus countryside in the southwest could threaten regional peace. Israeli drone strikes also resulted in the deaths of six army officers, according to Syrian state media. Since the conflict in Gaza began in October 2023, the region has been gripped by escalating tensions, with over 62,000 Palestinians killed, many of whom were women and children. In addition, Israeli blockades of humanitarian aid have created fears of famine in the Palestinian enclave. International bodies and human rights groups say Israel has been committing widespread human rights violations, including using starvation as a weapon of war, as they blame it for committing a Palestinian genocide.
Pakistan has been advocating for a two-state solution and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza for a long time. It supports the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital within pre-1967 borders.
Pakistan condemns ‘unconscionable’ Gaza hospital strike, urges Israel’s accountability
