UNITED NATIONS, Jun 11 (APP): The UN Security Council on Monday evening adopted a resolution aimed at reaching a comprehensive ceasefire deal in three phases to end the war in Gaza.
The United States-drafted text calls for Hamas to accept a ceasefire proposal announced on 31 May by President Joe Biden that has already been accepted by Israel.
Adopted by 14 votes in favour in the 15-member Council, with Russia abstaining, the resolution also urges both parties to fully implement the terms of the proposal “without delay and without condition.”
President Biden described the deal as “not just a ceasefire that would inevitably be fragile and temporary” but one that would provide a “durable end to the war”.
He added that the terms of the deal had been transmitted by Qatar to the leadership of Hamas.
The motion envisages three phases to ensure a lasting and comprehensive end to the fighting.
Phase one includes an “immediate, full, and complete ceasefire with the release of hostages including women, the elderly and the wounded, the return of the remains of some hostages who have been killed, and the exchange of Palestinian prisoners”.
It calls for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from “populated areas” of Gaza, the return of Palestinians to their homes and neighbourhoods throughout the enclave, including in the north, as well as the safe and effective distribution of humanitarian assistance at scale.
Phase two would see a permanent end to hostilities “in exchange for the release of all other hostages still in Gaza, and a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza”.
In phase three, “a major multi-year reconstruction plan for Gaza” would begin and the remains of any deceased hostages still in the Strip would be returned to Israel.
The Council also underlined the proposal’s provision that if negotiations take longer than six weeks for phase one, the ceasefire will continue as long as negotiations continue.
In the resolution, the Security Council rejects any attempt at demographic or territorial change in the Gaza Strip, including any actions that reduce the territory of the enclave.
The text also reiterates the Council’s “unwavering commitment” to the vision of the two-State solution where two democratic States, Israel and Palestine, live side by side in peace within secure and recognized borders consistent with international law and relevant UN resolutions.
“In this regard stresses the importance of unifying the Gaza Strip with the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority,” the resolution added.”today, we voted for peace.”
“Today, we voted for peace,” said US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield. “The fighting could stop today if Hamas agrees to the deal now endorsed by the Security Council,” she added.
“Hamas should now see clearly that the international community is united, “united behind a deal that will save lives and help Palestinian civilians in Gaza start to rebuild and heal. United behind a deal that will reunite hostages with their families after eight months in captivity.”
Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield there was now an opportunity to chart a new course and the US will help ensure that Israel lives up to its obligations, “assuming that Hamas accepts the deal.”
Today is the fourth Security Council resolution making clear that the only way to end the cycle of violence “is through a political settlement”, she added.
Algerian Ambassador Amar Bendjama said that his compatriots “deeply feel” the suffering of Palestinians and with their own history of struggle against colonial occupation, “fully understand and support” the Palestinian people’s legitimate and just demands.
“As a free and dignified people, the Palestinians will never accept living under occupation. They will never abdicate their fight for liberation,” he said.
Stressing that Algeria’s sole guiding principle has been to save Palestinian lives, he said that his country cannot remain silent in the face of collective punishment against Palestinian people.
“Palestinian lives matter,” he stressed.
He said Algeria voted in favour of the draft because it represents a step towards an immediate and lasting ceasefire. “This text is not perfect, but it offers a glimmer of hope to the Palestinians as the alternative is continued killing and suffering…We voted for this text to give diplomacy a chance”, he added.
“It is time to halt the killing.”
AMMAN, Jordan, Jun 11 (APP): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Monday arrived in Amman, Jordan to attend the high-level conference on ‘Urgent Humanitarian Response for Gaza’.
At the airport, he was received by Jordanian Minister of Prime Ministry Affairs Ibrahim Al Jazi, Governor of Amman Yaser Al Adwan and the Mayor of Amman, Al Shawarbeh.
The Conference is jointly hosted by Jordan, Egypt, and the UN. During the Conference, DPM will reiterate Pakistan’s unwavering support for the people of Palestine in the backdrop of Israel’s grave crimes in Gaza.
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ISLAMABAD, Jun 10 (APP): British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott here on Monday met with Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal and discussed ongoing and future collaborations between the two countries.
During the meeting, High Commissioner congratulated Ahsan Iqbal on assuming the Federal Minister for Planning for the fourth time.
Minister Iqbal reflected on the Vision 2025 initiative, introduced in 2015, which serves as a strategic roadmap for Pakistan’s economic and social development.
He highlighted that this vision was presented during a period of severe challenges, including frequent suicide attacks and an energy crisis that greatly impacted the country’s socio-economic sectors.
Despite these hurdles, the government consulted over 2,000 experts to formulate Vision 2025, aiming to steer the country towards growth and eliminate social inequalities.
Ahsan Iqbal expressed concern that from 2018 to 2022, unfortunately Pakistan lacked solid planning and vision, which hampered progress.
However, he emphasized the role of the Ministry of Planning as a key national and economic planning institution and think tank, committed to modernizing and aligning with global trends. This includes integrating talented individuals with advanced knowledge and introducing new sectors within the ministry.
In response to the 2022 floods, the Ministry swiftly formed the 4RF enabling the country to adopt sustainable infrastructure and strategies to combat climate change and natural disasters. Additionally, a framework based on the 5Es – Economy, Energy, E-governance and Digitalization, Environment, and Social Equity – was developed to provide a robust foundation for Pakistan’s growth.
The Minister elaborated on the 5Es framework, noting its role in creating a roadmap from short-term strategies to long-term plans, guiding principles for social justice, equitable resource distribution, and inclusion of women and youth in the national mainstream.
He also highlighted efforts to eradicate basic education deprivation through public-private partnerships, provincial cooperation to enhance capacity in education, health, and human resources, and significant budget increases for higher education. From 2013 to 2018, the higher education budget was increased by 108%, and within 16 months from 2018 to 2021, funds allocated for higher education promotion and modernization of universities were doubled.
The Minister noted the establishment of university campuses at every district headquarters, which provided significant opportunities for female students.
He pointed out that at the University of Narowal, 5,000 out of 7,000 students are female. The government is committed to modernizing the higher education curriculum and skilling university students.
Moreover, world-class technology centers have been established for artificial intelligence, big data, cybersecurity, automation, and robotics.
The Ministry of Planning has also launched the Young Development Fellow and National Internship programs to provide practical experience to the youth. The Young Development Fellow Program is a flagship project for capable and talented youth under the Ministry.
The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to fostering stronger ties and collaborative efforts for mutual growth and development.
KARACHI, Jun 10 (APP): Sindh Senior Minister for Information, Transport, Mass Transit System, Excise, Taxation, and Narcotics Control Sharjeel Inam Memon on Monday said that three suspects had been arrested in the murder case of journalist Nasurllah Gadani.
While talking to media persons at the Karachi Press Club (KPC), he said they were saddened over the tragic death of Gadani, which was, in fact, a part of the mindset that sought to suppress press freedom. However, it was the responsibility of governments to combat this thinking.
Shajeel Memon said that due to the efforts of the Ghotki Police and DIG Sukkur three suspects in connection with his murder had been arrested, and the media would be kept informed regarding the case.
He said that on the instructions of the Sindh chief minister, a cheque of Rs10 million was being given to the heirs of the martyred journalist. Though the money could not compensate the loss of a loved one, however, it was an effort from the Pakistan Peoples Party and its Sindh government to provide some financial assistance to the family.
Memon said that a campaign had been launched against the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) to tarnish its image. However, even today, the party stood shoulder to shoulder and firmly with journalists, as it was the only party that demonstrated the tolerance and patience.
He said that accused involved in all the incidents against journalists in Sindh had been arrested. The killers of Shaheed Aziz Memon were apprehended from the desert area, he added.
The minister said PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari personally visited the house of Shaheed Jan Muhammad Mahar.
The Sindh Police had made a significant progress in his the case and his killers would be nabbed soon, he hoped.
Memon highlighted the concerted efforts of Chief Minister Sindh, Interior Minister, and IG Sindh to improve the law and order situation in the upper Sindh. He also announced the release of funds for the second phase of the Safe City project in Karachi.
He claimed that province-wide crackdown on drugs continued with recent arrests of drug peddlers in Karachi and Hyderabad. One notable arrest was of a significant dealer known as the “grandmother of the drug world,” involved in trafficking ice and crystals.
He lamented the increasing prevalence of drugs in educational institutions nationwide and highlighted their misuse as a status symbol in some circles. Despite this, a robust crackdown against drugs was underway while echoing President Asif Ali Zardari’s stance against drugs as a top priority.
Later, the Senior Minister handed over the cheque of Rs10 million to Muhammad Bakhsh Gadani, brother of martyred journalist Nasrullah Gadani.
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