UNITED NATIONS / GAZA — Pakistan has once again pressed the United Nations Security Council to demand an immediate, unconditional, and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, warning that civilians are being crushed under the weight of relentless bombardment, hunger, and a crippling blockade.
Speaking before the Council on Friday, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Asim Iftikhar Ahmed, said Islamabad remained steadfast in its support for the Palestinian struggle for self-determination. He described the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza as intolerable, with children starving, hospitals destroyed, and families left without food, medicine, or shelter.
“Pakistan stands with humanity, justice, and international law,” Ahmed told members, aligning his country with the overwhelming majority of the Council and UN membership that has consistently called for an end to the war.
US Blocks Resolution Despite Global Support
But once again, the United States stood in the way. On Thursday, Washington vetoed a draft resolution demanding a permanent ceasefire, despite the measure receiving backing from all 14 other Council members. The text, tabled in August after the UN formally declared a famine in Gaza, sought to halt the war nearly two years after Israel’s offensive began.
The US move effectively shielded Israel from growing diplomatic pressure, even as its military intensified a new ground assault on Gaza City. Israeli tanks and warplanes have pounded the densely populated area for days, forcing tens of thousands of Palestinians to flee south in search of safety.
Mounting Death Toll and International Alarm
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, more than 65,000 people have been killed and nearly 158,000 wounded since Israel launched its campaign in October 2023. International alarm has escalated, with the UN describing Israel’s latest offensive as “carnage.”
Legal action has also mounted against Israeli leaders. The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Meanwhile, Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice.
Call for Action
Despite the mounting toll, Washington’s repeated use of its veto has frustrated many diplomats who argue the Security Council risks irrelevance if it cannot act on one of the gravest humanitarian crises in recent history.
For now, Gaza’s displaced continue their flight southward, carrying what little they can, as ceasefire hopes remain hostage to global politics.
