Pakistan says Israel committing genocide in Gaza in war against Hamas

Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani likened Israel’s airstrikes on Gaza and the blockade of the territory to a form of genocide against the Palestinian population, as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continued to escalate.

This statement was made in response to Israel’s imposition of a “total siege” in an effort to halt the flow of food and fuel into Gaza, a densely populated enclave of 2.3 million people, many of whom rely on aid. This move by Israel was a response to a surprise offensive by Hamas the previous week, which resulted in the deaths of 1,300 Israelis, according to official reports.

In retaliation, Israeli forces conducted air and artillery strikes that led to the destruction of entire neighborhoods, hospitals, and schools in Gaza. According to the Hamas-controlled health ministry in the Palestinian territory, Israeli strikes since the previous week had resulted in the deaths of at least 2,215 people, including 724 children.

During a press conference held in Islamabad, Minister Jilani highlighted that the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation had convened an emergency meeting of its executive committee to address the situation.