Pakistan stands by Palestinian people: High Commissioner Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri

Canberra: Pakistani High Commissioner to Australia Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri this week said Pakistan stands by the Palestinian people.

“Special aircraft carrying humanitarian & medical aid from Pakistan for the brotherly people of Palestine in Gaza arrived at El-Arish Int’l Airport. Pakistan stands by the people of Palestine and will continue to provide necessary relief assistance,” he posted on X.

Pakistan has sent aid, including medicines and tents, for the people of Gaza, according to the Foreign Office spokesperson.

A chartered aircraft carrying 100 tonnes of essential medical supplies, tents, and blankets departed from Islamabad for Egypt this week.

From Egypt, these items will be sent to the people in the besieged enclave, said FO spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch.

The first consignment of relief items was sent a day after Israel announced it would not block humanitarian aid entering the besieged Gaza Strip from Egypt.

Baloch said Pakistan remained deeply concerned about the situation of Palestinian brothers and sisters in Gaza.

“We strongly condemn the Israeli aggression and blockade, particularly the recent attack on a Gaza hospital”, she said, referring to the Israeli strike at Al Ahli Hospital, which resulted in the death of over 500 people.

She added that Israel’s actions “violated international humanitarian and human rights laws”.

Separately, President Arif Alvi visited the embassy of Palestine in Islamabad and condemned “Israel’s brutalities”.

He also called for an immediate ceasefire besides opening a humanitarian corridor to supply aid and food to residents in the Gaza Strip, according to a statement issued by the presidency.

President Alvi met the Ambassador of the State of Palestine in Islamabad Ahmed Jawad Rabei, and expressed solidarity with the Palestinians on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan.

He urged the international community to condemn Israel’s brutalities and disproportionate reaction, which killed thousands of innocent people.