Pakistan's President Says His Citizens Share Pain With Palestinians, Pledges International Support

JAKARTA - Pakistani President Arif Alvi strongly condemns Israeli violence and illegal acts against Palestinians. The president assured that Pakistan will fully support the Palestinian cause.

Pakistan's support was expressed through a letter addressed by Arif Alvi to his Palestinian counterpart, Mahmoud Abbas.

President Arif Alvi expressed deep sadness and concern over a series of violent attacks carried out by Israeli forces against innocent worshippers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque during the holy month of Ramadan.

"Your Pakistani brothers and sisters, including me, share your pain and distress caused by Israel's indiscriminate killing of innocent Palestinians, including children, in Gaza. We extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the victims of this attack and pray for a speedy recovery from the wounded," he wrote, quoted from Yenisafak, Friday, May 14.

Israeli attacks have violated humanitarian norms, human rights and international law. Arif Alvi blessing, "I assure you of our efforts in mobilizing the international community for the Palestinian struggle and to continue to voice a voice for the Palestinian people."

He reaffirmed Pakistan's support for a fair settlement of the Palestinian issue in accordance with relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions. And for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with borders before 1967 and Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

Meanwhile, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan in his Eid message urged his nation to celebrate Eid al-Fitr with their families at home due to the coronavirus pandemic, and expressed solidarity with the oppressed Kashmiris and Palestinians.

Tensions have been mounting in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood of East Jerusalem since last week when an Israeli court ordered the eviction of a Palestinian family. The decision was later delayed.

Palestinians protesting in solidarity with residents in the neighborhood have been targeted by Israeli forces.

Israel also raided the Al-Aqsa Mosque during special evening prayers for the fasting month of Ramadan.

Further escalation of tensions resulted in airstrikes by Israel in Gaza, resulting in many Palestinians being killed and wounded.

Israel occupied East Jerusalem during the Arab-Israeli war of 1967 and annexed the entire city in 1980 in an act never recognized by the international community.