Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar, has called on the international community to take urgent action in response to the dire humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza, declaring it a war zone where civilian life has become unsustainable.

Speaking at a United Nations Security Council session, Iftikhar condemned the ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza, describing them as "heart-wrenching brutality."

He highlighted that women, children, and medical staff are enduring horrific conditions, with psychological trauma reaching unimaginable levels.

He supported the recent briefing by UN Under-Secretary-General Tom Fletcher, praising it as fact-based and asserting that any criticism of it is unwarranted.

Citing alarming figures, Iftikhar stated that over 54,000 Palestinians have been killed—most of them women and children—and more than 122,000 have been injured. He stressed that Gaza is experiencing one of the worst humanitarian disasters in recent history and warned that statements of condemnation are no longer sufficient, calling instead for concrete international action.

The Pakistani envoy also highlighted the destruction of Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure, noting that around 800 medical facilities have been targeted. He added that doctors and medical workers have been killed, hospitals are without fuel, and dozens of children have died from hunger due to ongoing blockades and attacks on aid convoys.

He further revealed that approximately 80% of Gaza’s homes have been destroyed, while Israel has deliberately dismantled essential services including water, electricity, and communication systems.

Iftikhar denounced the systematic targeting of civilian infrastructure and the forced displacement of Palestinians as unacceptable, reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause.

Separately, Pakistan’s Foreign Office strongly condemned recent provocative actions by Israeli authorities and illegal settlers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, calling them a blatant violation of international law. The statement urged the global community to safeguard the sanctity and historical significance of Islamic holy sites and to prevent further escalations in the already volatile region.