ISLAMABAD: On Friday, Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani announced that Pakistan is prepared to airlift injured Palestinians for treatment, a commitment conveyed to Jordan and Egypt.
Jilani made this disclosure in response to a calling attention notice in the Senate, seeking information on Pakistan’s efforts to address the atrocities in Gaza.
This announcement coincided with the initiation of a truce between Israel and Hamas, marking the end of over a month of bombings in Gaza that resulted in the tragic loss of over 14,000 lives, including children and women.
The 48-day-old war had seen significant destruction, prompting a comprehensive ceasefire and humanitarian aid flow into the beleaguered Palestinian enclave.
Jilani detailed ongoing efforts, stating, “We are already in contact with Jordan and Egypt. We have offered them that Pakistan will be happy to treat these injured Palestinians in Pakistan.”
However, he acknowledged encountering obstacles and assured resolution.
The foreign minister highlighted challenges in obtaining Israel’s permission, as the injured undergo scrutiny to prevent potential Hamas members from being taken away. Despite offering to establish a hospital in Gaza, the dire situation there hindered such initiatives.
Jilani underscored Pakistan’s diplomatic contributions, citing active involvement in pressuring Israel.
The Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC) meeting in Jeddah, where Pakistan played a pivotal role, and the passage of a United Nations resolution proposed by Jordan were noted as diplomatic successes.
Jilani emphasized global support for Palestinians as evidence that the narratives of Israel and Western countries had faltered, asserting that the Palestine issue had gained prominence due to recent events.
