Islamabad, 8 October 2023 (WAI): Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry expressed its steadfast commitment to peace and stability in the Middle East in a statement following the intensification of hostilities between Israel and the Palestinians.
Pakistan reiterates its unwavering support for a two-state solution as the only way to achieve enduring peace. This solution, based on international law and under UN and OIC resolutions, proposes the establishment of a viable, sovereign, and contiguous State of Palestine on pre-1967 boundaries, with Al Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
Pakistan appeals to the international community to support an early end to hostilities, prioritize people’s safety, and promote long-lasting peace in the Middle East, given the rising death toll.
Pakistan is prepared to contribute to all efforts to establish a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian conflict. The Foreign Ministry encourages all stakeholders to collaborate, underlining the need to pursue peaceful avenues for improving the region and the world.
Israel-Palestine Conflict’s Human Cost
The Palestine-Israel conflict, which has lasted decades, remains a deeply entrenched geopolitical issue with a high human cost. Examining the years from 2008 through 2020 reveals a striking picture of growing violence and persistent pain.
Tensions peaked in 2008, with 3,202 Palestinians killed and 853 Israelis killed, highlighting the conflict’s asymmetry. The following year, 2009, saw an even more significant disparity, with 7,460 Palestinian casualties compared to 123 in Israel, emphasizing the sad toll on civilians.
Despite relative decreases in casualties in 2010 and 2011, the fighting remained entrenched, and numbers remained high. 2012 saw a severe uptick in violence, with 4,936 Palestinian deaths and 578 in Israel, underscoring the pressing need for peace initiatives. The tragic death toll in Palestine and Israel 2014 was 19,860 and 2,796, respectively, illustrative of the extreme suffering.
While 2015 provided a ray of optimism with fewer casualties, 2018 saw an alarming surge, necessitating renewed commitment to a solution. A decline in 2019 suggested the potential for discussion.
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The global pandemic in 2020 added new complications, but the conflict’s persistence was still evident from the 2,781 Palestinian deaths and 61 Israeli injuries.
Early in October 2023, new violence broke out, leaving at least 687 Palestinians dead in Gaza. Tragically, this year is turning out to be the deadliest for Palestinians.
These figures highlight the critical importance of ongoing diplomatic efforts and international cooperation to end this protracted conflict and usher in peace and prosperity for Palestine.
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