PM Shehbaz Sharif Calls for Immediate Ceasefire and Unity in Support of Palestine at Arab Islamic Summit
Riyadh, The Gulf Observer: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif delivered a strong and impassioned speech at the Arab Islamic Summit in Riyadh on Monday, condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran, while reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people.
Addressing leaders from Arab and Muslim countries, PM Sharif called for an immediate ceasefire and condemned Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Palestinian territories. He emphasized the urgent need for concrete actions to address the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which he described as unprecedented, with families enduring constant threat, loss of life, and widespread devastation.
Labeling the situation in Gaza as “genocide,” a term echoed by the International Court of Justice, the Prime Minister sharply criticized the global community’s failure to act, claiming that Israel’s actions have been emboldened by international inaction. He stated that “every moral code is flagrantly violated by Israel” and expressed frustration over the continued flow of sophisticated weaponry to Israel, which, in his view, was assured of “unconditional assistance and protection,” despite its disregard for humanitarian laws.
PM Sharif highlighted the plight of Palestinian civilians, stressing that the prolonged suffering has only strengthened Palestinian resistance and resolve in their fight for freedom. He lamented the “indifference and inaction” of the international community, which, he argued, has contributed to the continued oppression of the Palestinian people.
In his speech, PM Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s firm stance on the creation of an independent, sovereign, and contiguous Palestinian state, with Jerusalem (Al-Quds Sharif) as its capital, based on pre-1967 borders. He emphasized that Palestinian self-determination is vital for achieving justice and lasting peace in the region.
He further warned that the escalating violence in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran threatens to ignite a broader regional conflict, urging the Ummah to unite in support of Palestine. He called for decisive action, stressing that silence in the face of Israel’s “systematic genocide and aggression” would only allow such injustices to continue.
In his closing remarks, PM Shehbaz Sharif called for a unified response from the summit’s leaders, urging them to translate their voices into actions. “Let this summit be a moment to transform our voices into actions,” he declared, hoping that the collective efforts of the Muslim world would mark the beginning of Palestine’s long-awaited freedom.
