Islamabad: Pakistan and India on Wednesday condemned the killing of journalists by Israel in Gaza, calling the act 'heinous' and 'shocking.' The statements from both Islamabad and New Delhi were in response to an Israeli attack on the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, which resulted in the deaths of at least 47 Palestinians, including six journalists, on Monday. The incident has sparked global outcry.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Pakistani Foreign Ministry described the attack as 'unconscionable and heinous,' highlighting that the continuous targeting of civilians and journalists constitutes a grave violation of international human rights and humanitarian law, as well as freedom of the press. The ministry reiterated Pakistan's call for the international community to 'hold Israel accountable for such heinous crimes and to take concrete steps towards ending Israel's impunity.'
India echoed similar sentiments, deeming the killing of journalists in Gaza as 'shocking and deeply regrettable.' The Indian Foreign Ministry, through spokesman Randhir Jaiswal, condemned the loss of civilian lives in the conflict. Jaiswal stated, "The killing of journalists is shocking and deeply regrettable. India has always condemned loss of civilian lives in conflict." He added that Israeli authorities have reportedly already begun an investigation into the incident.
The recent fatalities among media personnel in Gaza have brought the total number of Palestinian journalists killed in Israeli attacks since October 2023 to 246. Israel has reportedly killed more journalists in this conflict than in any other around the world in recent times.
In addition to the condemnation of actions in Gaza, Pakistan also criticized Israeli military operations in Syria, denouncing 'in the strongest possible terms the Israeli occupying forces' incursion into the Syrian Arab Republic in contravention of international law and the UN Charter.' Islamabad reaffirmed its support for Syria's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, urging global powers to intervene to prevent further destabilization of the region by Israel.
Since October 2023, Israel has killed nearly 63,000 Palestinians in Gaza, with the military campaign devastating the enclave, which now faces famine. Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Furthermore, Israel is also facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in the region.