By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD – Pakistan has strongly condemned Israel’s decision to block humanitarian aid from entering Gaza during the holy month of Ramadan, calling it a blatant violation of international law and a continuation of policies that inflict collective punishment on the Palestinian population.

In an official statement, the Foreign Ministry criticized Israel’s blockade, describing it as part of a systematic campaign to deny life-saving assistance to millions of Palestinians facing dire humanitarian conditions. The statement warned that such actions could jeopardize ongoing efforts to establish a ceasefire in the war-torn region.

“We call on the international community to ensure unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza and to hold Israel accountable for imposing collective punishment through the denial of humanitarian aid to millions of civilians,” the statement read.

Pakistan also reiterated its longstanding position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, urging the full implementation of ceasefire agreements and the revival of a political process aimed at achieving a two-state solution. It reaffirmed support for an independent, sovereign Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif (Jerusalem) as its capital.

Escalating Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has worsened in recent months due to Israel’s restrictions on aid, exacerbating shortages of food, medicine, and essential supplies. International organizations, including the United Nations and the Red Cross, have repeatedly warned of an impending famine and widespread suffering if urgent relief efforts are not allowed to proceed unhindered.

The latest blockade comes as Palestinians observe Ramadan, a period of fasting, prayer, and reflection. Aid agencies have expressed concern that preventing the entry of humanitarian aid at such a crucial time further exacerbates the suffering of Gaza’s population, particularly vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and the sick.

International Reactions and Calls for Action

Pakistan’s condemnation adds to the growing chorus of global criticism against Israel’s policies in Gaza. Several countries, human rights organizations, and international bodies have called for an immediate lifting of restrictions to allow life-saving assistance to reach those in need.

The UN Secretary-General has repeatedly emphasized that humanitarian access should not be politicized and that all parties must adhere to international humanitarian law.