Pakistan, Egypt and six other countries demand immediate Gaza ceasefire

ISLAMABAD: Foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Turkiye, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have issued a joint statement strongly condemning Israel’s military actions in Gaza and called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian assistance and renewed diplomatic efforts for a two-state solution.

The joint statement, shared by Pakistan’s Foreign Office on Thursday, expressed deep concern over the continuation of Israeli military operations in Gaza despite international diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict.

The eight countries condemned attacks on hospitals, medical facilities and critical healthcare infrastructure in Gaza, stating that such actions represented serious violations of international law and international humanitarian law.

The foreign ministers said attacks on civilian infrastructure and the killing of civilians, including women and children, were unacceptable and violated international obligations.

They warned that continued military operations were damaging efforts to implement a comprehensive roadmap for ending the Gaza conflict and threatened regional stability.

The statement noted that Israeli operations continued despite US President Donald Trump’s announcement that Palestinian factions had agreed to a proposed roadmap aimed at advancing the peace process.

The ministers said the ongoing military campaign was creating obstacles for diplomatic efforts, increasing regional tensions and worsening the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Call for immediate humanitarian assistance

The eight countries stressed that protecting civilians, hospitals, healthcare workers and humanitarian personnel was a legal obligation under international humanitarian law.

They called for the immediate, safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid, medical supplies and relief assistance across the Gaza Strip.

The statement said the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza was closely linked with developments in the occupied West Bank.

The countries condemned attacks by Israeli settlers in the West Bank, continued settlement expansion and efforts to change the legal and historical status of occupied East Jerusalem.

They said such measures were altering realities on the ground and undermining prospects for a negotiated two-state solution.

Rejection of annexation and forced displacement

The foreign ministers reaffirmed their rejection of any attempt to annex parts of the Occupied Palestinian Territory or impose Israeli sovereignty over occupied areas.

They also rejected any efforts aimed at forcibly displacing Palestinians, describing such actions as violations of international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.

The statement said attempts to deny Palestinians their legitimate rights were inconsistent with international legal principles and longstanding UN positions.

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Appeal to United Nations Security Council

The eight countries urged the international community, particularly the United Nations Security Council, to fulfil its responsibilities by ensuring compliance with international law, international humanitarian law and relevant UN resolutions.

They called for accountability for those responsible for violations of international law and stressed the need for effective international action to achieve a permanent ceasefire.

Reaffirming their support for a negotiated political settlement, the countries said the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, remained the only path towards lasting peace.

The ministers said a credible political process leading to the implementation of the two-state solution was essential for achieving comprehensive and sustainable peace in the Middle East.