Pakistan’s Permanent Representative, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, made an impassioned plea at a United Nations Security Council briefing for it to abandon its inaction towards Gaza as it continues its spiral into humanitarian tragedy. Declaring that “Gaza is in crisis beyond comprehension”, he demanded urgent action be taken immediately to avoid further loss of life and provide relief.
Since October 7, 2023, Gaza has experienced a devastating humanitarian catastrophe. Health authorities report more than 56,500 Palestinian deaths; most were women and children (sources). For further details please see APnews.com’s English AAJ TV +3 [app.com.pk].
Recent months have witnessed an escalating crisis. A potential famine is on its way, with over 66,000 children suffering severe malnutrition and food prices soaring 1,400% despite Israeli restrictions on aid convoys (The Guardian).
Ambassador Ahmad harshly criticized the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, the U.S.-Israeli-backed mechanism tasked with aid distribution. Referring to it as “a death trap”, he noted that over 500 people had been killed attempting to reach its hubs which often cross active combat zones on their journey there. (Tweet this story). For more details visit The Guardian (UK).
He stressed the need for humanitarian relief efforts to revert back to traditional UN-backed systems, free from military control and in accordance with international law.
Ahmad stressed the extent of devastation caused by Israel during this conflict extends far beyond Gaza. She pointed to intensified military actions in the West Bank and Jerusalem by Israeli forces as they expanded settlements and allowed settler violence “in violation of international law”
He warned that failure of the UNSC to uphold its resolutions threatens its legitimacy and global stability.
Pakistan presented a clear plan of action, outlining four urgent demands:
Immediate cessation of Israeli military operations in Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
Guaranteeing safe, unimpeded access for UN and humanitarian agencies.
Support of the Arab League-OIC Reconstruction Plan as a blueprint for Gaza’s recovery is urgently required.
A credible political process to achieve a sovereign Palestinian state based on 1967 borders with Jerusalem as its capital is currently underway, according to Reuter’s.com +7 and English AAJ TV + 7 as reported on 24newshd TV 24 newshd
Pakistan issued this statement after becoming frustrated at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), particularly after U.S. vetoing of ceasefire and humanitarian access resolution on June 4, 2025 despite approval by all other Council members (See: theguardian.com/+3; APNEWS and Reuter).
Ambassador Ahmad strongly criticized the US veto as “moral and political failure”, which should serve as a signal that further genocide will take place (APNews.com and The Guardian both included in +1 for their articles).
The UN Secretary-General and major aid organizations such as WHO and UNRWA have all voiced similar worries. They warned that Gazan hospitals are collapsing under pressure from power outages, disease outbreaks and infrastructure destruction; such as power cuts. For more information please see: en.wikipedia.org; app.com.pk for updates
As diplomatic dynamics remain complex, tensions between Israel and the U.S. persist. Both states deem the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation an effective measure to prevent Hamas from intercepting aid – although this claim was discredited by UN officials who considered it perilously unsafe (app.com.pk +3, theguardian.com +3 and reuters.com +3)
ceasefire talks between Egypt, Qatar and others are ongoing; yet violence and civilian suffering continue. Pakistan intensified its diplomatic campaign a few weeks back; now, as they increase efforts on this front the central question remains: Will the Security Council answer Pakistan’s call or remain an observer?