Islamabad: Pakistan has urged the international community to ensure the full implementation of the Gaza ceasefire and peace initiatives.

According to Radio Pakistan, Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the UN, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, emphasized the urgency of the situation during the "UN Security Council Open Debate on the Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question." He highlighted that since the ceasefire, over 1,100 Palestinians have lost their lives.

Ahmad pointed out that approximately two million individuals remain confined to just 30 percent of Gaza's territory, facing dire living conditions. He also mentioned reports of a massive earthen barrier being constructed across Gaza, which further entrenches Israeli occupation and control over nearly 70 percent of the territory.

He urged the Security Council to demand an immediate cessation of all settlement activities and to reject any attempts at annexation, forced displacement, or changes to the demographic and geographic character of the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

Ahmad asserted that the only credible route to a just and lasting peace is the establishment of an independent, sovereign, contiguous, and viable State of Palestine, based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

In a broader context, he reiterated Pakistan's strong support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all brotherly countries in the region. He urged all parties to exercise restraint, take immediate steps towards de-escalation, and uphold respective commitments under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.

Ahmad affirmed Pakistan's commitment to providing all necessary support towards achieving lasting peace and stability in the region through dialogue and diplomacy.