ISLAMABAD, Aug. 8 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday strongly condemned the Israeli security cabinet's approval of a plan to take over Gaza City, warning it would worsen the humanitarian crisis and derail prospects for peace in the region.
In a statement on social media, Sharif called the move "illegal and illegitimate," describing it as a dangerous escalation in the ongoing conflict.
He stressed that the root cause of the tragedy was Israel's prolonged "illegal occupation" of Palestinian territory, adding that peace would remain elusive until the occupation ends.
The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering support for the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent, sovereign state with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with relevant UN resolutions.
Sharif urged the international community to intervene urgently to halt Israel's aggression, protect civilians, and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. ■
