Pakistan's Hopeful Call for Renewed US Commitment to Middle East Peace

Pakistan's Deputy PM Mohammad Ishaq Dar urges the new US administration to enhance its commitment to Middle East peace. Speaking at the Arab-Islamic Summit, Dar calls for unity among Muslim leaders to support Palestinian rights and outlines measures such as legal action against Israel and an arms embargo.

Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar, has articulated a hopeful vision for the incoming US administration, expressing confidence that it will renew efforts to foster peace in West Asia. Dar emphasized the necessity of a strategic, UN-aligned approach to address the crisis, urging Muslim leaders to fulfill their moral and legal duties towards supporting Palestinian rights, according to local media.

Addressing the Council of Foreign Ministers' Preparatory Meeting for the Second Arab-Islamic Summit, Dar called for a cessation of mere condemnations of Israeli actions. He advocated for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza, unrestricted humanitarian assistance for Palestinians, and sustained United Nations support for UNRWA, which faces numerous challenges.

Dar proposed various measures, such as bolstering Palestine's bid for full UN membership and pursuing legal accountability for Israel over alleged war crimes. He recommended an arms embargo against Israel and a reevaluation of its UN membership. Additionally, Dar suggested appointing a Joint Arab-Islamic Special Envoy on the Middle East as a crucial focal point for coordinated peace efforts.

Referring to last year's initial Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh, Dar lamented the escalated Middle Eastern tensions despite significant resolutions then. He condemned Israel's military actions as war crimes against Palestinian civilians and criticized international inaction despite calls for ceasefires and humanitarian aid. He praised Saudi Arabia's Two-State Solution advocacy via the Global Alliance and reiterated Pakistan's consistent support for Palestinian causes, noting continued humanitarian aid and educational scholarships.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif journeyed to Riyadh for the summit, where he plans to address significant issues and underscore Pakistan's position on Palestine. Sharif, joined by Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi, aims to forge diplomatic partnerships with Arab League and OIC leaders. The summit underscores Saudi Arabia's resolve to resolve Middle Eastern crises and foster multilateral dialogue, positioning Riyadh as a key diplomatic hub.

(With inputs from agencies.)