Islamabad: Pakistan strongly condemned storming of courtyards of Al-Aqsa Masjid by Israeli settlers under protection of Israeli occupying forces, Foreign Office (FO) said in a statement. It said that provocative action has blatantly violated sanctity of Qibla-e-Awal and hurt sentiments of Muslims across world. “Such incidents are flagrant violations of international law, international norms and practices. Any attempt to change historical and legal status of Al-Aqsa Masjid must stop,” statement added.

FO called upon international community to take urgent action to put an end to Israeli aggression and violations, which continue to fuel violence, tension and instability in region.

“For a lasting and just solution of Palestinian issue, Pakistan renews its call for a viable, independent and contiguous Palestinian State, with pre-1967 borders, and Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital, in accordance with relevant United Nations and OIC resolutions,” statement further said.

Death toll from violence in Gaza rose to 32, including six children on Sunday according to Palestinian health officials as Israel continued its assault on territory for third consecutive day. More than 215 others were wounded in attacks.

An Israeli airstrike also killed a second senior commander of a Palestinian armed group, fighters said. Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement retaliated with barrages of rockets fired at Israel as country pressed on with its assault on Gaza. Killing late Saturday of Khaled Mansour, who led Islamic Jihad’s operations in southern Gaza Strip, came a day after another Israeli strike killed militant’s commander in north.

Published in The Daily National Courier, August, 08 2022

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