NEW YORK: Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar, told the UN Security Council that despite recent political progress on the Middle East peace process.
In this regard, Ambassador Iftikhar expressed appreciation for the comprehensive update delivered by the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Ramiz Alakbarov.
He noted that for two years, the world has witnessed “with anguish and shock” a devastating conflict in Gaza that has inflicted immense suffering on a besieged population.
In this sense, more than 70,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children have been killed, while Gaza’s social and economic infrastructure has been nearly destroyed.
Ambassador Iftikhar mentioned two key political developments. The first was a high-level meeting in July, followed by the adoption of the New York Declaration on September 12, which reaffirmed global commitment to a viable, independent Palestinian state.
The second was the Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit, where regional and international partners agreed on maintaining the ceasefire, addressing the humanitarian crisis, and laying the foundation for a credible political path forward.
Furthermore, these diplomatic efforts, he said, paved the way for the adoption of Security Council Resolution 2803 last week. Pakistan, as part of an eight-member Arab-Islamic group engaged with President Trump in recent consultations, welcomed efforts aimed at ending the conflict, preventing displacement, supporting Gaza’s reconstruction, and halting annexation in the West Bank.
Moreover, Ambassador Iftikhar warned that Israeli airstrikes have continued, with more than 300 Palestinians killed since the ceasefire announcement.
“Lives are still being lost, homes are still being demolished, and families continue to live under fear,” he said.
He further added that the rising violence in the West Bank, where Israeli settler attacks reached their highest level since the UN began monitoring in 2006.
In addition, the ambassador outlined key priorities for meaningful progress: full implementation of Resolution 2803, strict adherence to the ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian access, immediate reconstruction of Gaza, prevention of annexation and forced displacement, a halt to illegal settlements, and ensuring accountability for violations of international law.
