25 February 2025
Pakistan has said that in order to move beyond the perpetual cycle of violence and destruction, the international community must prioritize the pursuit of a just and lasting peace in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT).
“In our view, it should entail the following:
First, full and immediate implementation of the ceasefire, ensuring a permanent cessation of hostilities, Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, unrestricted humanitarian access, and a comprehensive reconstruction plan for Gaza which will need to be supported by the international community and led and owned by the Palestinians.
Second, an end to Israel’s aggression in the West Bank. The destruction of refugee camps in Jenin, Tulkarem, Nur al-Shams, and El Far’amirrors the devastation in Gaza. Forced displacements and illegal annexations must be reversed, in line with Resolutions 2720 (2024) and 2334 (2016) of this Council.
Third, UNRWA must be allowed to operate without obstruction. Israel has a legal duty under Article 2 (5) of the UN Charter to facilitate its work. The deliberate targeting of aid agencies is a moral outrage and a violation of international law. Humanitarian relief cannot be allowed to be weaponized.
Fourth, we must revive a credible, irreversible political process that leads to establishment of a Palestinian state. Full UN membership for Palestine is not a symbolic gesture – it is a legal and moral imperative.