Pakistan’s UN envoy stresses urgent action to end Gaza’s humanitarian catastrophe and restore civilians’ rights
At the UN Emergency Meeting on Gaza, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad called for immediate, unhindered humanitarian access, a permanent ceasefire and full protection for civilians as Gaza remains in a “perilous” state despite recent agreements. He warned that violations of the ceasefire and deliberate delays to aid have left nearly 2 million people in dire conditions: over 90% displaced, half of hospitals only partly functional, daily meals cut by more than 50%, and more than one million children facing displacement, malnutrition and no access to healthcare or education.
Ambassador Ahmad urged the Security Council to enforce the Comprehensive Plan and Resolution 2803 and outlined concrete steps the international community must take:
- Guarantee immediate, unhindered humanitarian access and keep all crossings including Rafah fully operational for aid, commercial supplies and medical evacuations.
- End the blockade of Gaza, which he called collective punishment and a violation of international law, including the Fourth Geneva Convention.
- Deliver humanitarian assistance unconditionally through the UN and its agencies, without political interference or sequencing.
- Stop arbitrary “dual‑use” designations that block essential goods; make approval processes transparent.
- Close critical funding gaps: the 2026 UN Flash Appeal is only ~12% funded; fast‑track mobilisation of reconstruction pledges and the Gaza Reconstruction and Development Fund (GRAD).
- Protect and restore UNRWA’s full, unhindered mandate and safeguard humanitarian and medical personnel from attack and unlawful detention.
He warned that Israel’s obstruction of aid undermines both the Comprehensive Plan and international law, and urged the Council to translate commitments into enforceable measures, including credible verification and timelines. Ambassador Ahmad also raised alarm over worsening conditions in the West Bank including settler violence, displacement and settlement expansion and stressed that lasting peace requires ending the occupation and establishing a sovereign, contiguous Palestinian state on pre‑1967 borders with Al Quds Al Sharif as its capital.
