By The South Asia Times 

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan on Saturday expressed deep concerns over the unfolding situation in Middle East and condemned killing of nearly 200 Palestinian by Israeli forces. 

"Heartbroken by the escalating violence in the Middle East, which underscores the urgent need to address the Palestine Question," Pakistan caretaker prime minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar said on X.

"We urge restraint and protection of civilians. Enduring peace in the Middle East lies in a two state solution with a viable, contiguous, sovereign State of Palestine, founded on pre-1967 borders, with Al Quds Al-Sharif at its heart," he added.

According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, at least 200 people were killed, and over 1,600 others injured in Israeli attacks on Gaza.

Pakistan Foreign Ministry in a separate statement also expressed concerns over the ongoing clashes and said Islamabad concerned about the human cost of the escalating situation.

"We are closely monitoring the unfolding situation in the Middle East and the eruption of hostilities between Israel and Palestinians," said the ministry.

Pakistan said it has consistently advocated for a two-state solution as the key to enduring peace in the Middle East, with a just, comprehensive and lasting solution to the Palestinian question anchored in international law and in line with relevant United Nations and OIC resolutions. 

"A viable, sovereign and contiguous State of Palestine should be established on the basis of pre-1967 borders, with Al Quds Al-Sharif as its capital," it said 

Islamabad called on the international community to come together for cessation of hostilities, protection of civilians and for a lasting peace in the Middle East.

On Saturday, the Al-Qassam Brigades of the Hamas launched a military operation “Al-Aqsa Flood” against Israeli forces with rockets targeting enemy sites, airports, and military installations.

In response, the Israeli army also launched an operation and announced war against the Palestinian, targeting civilians in airstrikes.