Munir Akram, Pakistan’s permanent representative to the UN, called on the international community to act together, saying Israel’s activities should not go unpunished and should be shown to have costs.
Speaking to Anadolu on Monday about the UN Security Council resolution demanding an urgent cease-fire in Gaza on March 25, Akram expressed concern over Israel’s continued attacks despite the resolution.
He highlighted the unprecedented disregard for global consensus by a single nation, adding that Israel even ignores its “friends.”
Akram stressed the urgency for the international community to convince extremist leaders in Israel to halt the massacre in Gaza, noting the sanctions outlined in Article 7 of the UN Charter for enforcing Security Council resolutions. Akram underscored the importance of demonstrating the cost of Israel’s actions, and said: “In the first instance, all arms shipments to Israel must stop.”
He noted: “Israel’s friends should not facilitate genocide. Secondly, I think other international community members should also consider actions, sanctions on trade, on oil supplies, on other actions that will impose a cost on the Israeli regime.”
He also suggested that the question of Israel’s continued UN membership should be debated, citing it as another potential sanction option.
Describing Gaza as a “hell” for its residents, Akram stressed the plight of innocent civilians trapped in the crisis. He noted that not only are innocent civilians being bombed, but also those attempting to assist them are suffering from Israeli attacks. Akram dismissed Israeli claims of accidental killings of World Central Kitchen workers and suggested it was a deliberate attack. He said: “There must be a response from the international community to such actions by a rogue regime.”
Akram highlighted a shift in the US stance on supporting Israel, stating: “It has moved from opposing the cease-fire to accepting a cease-fire.”—Anadolu Agency
