Pakistan, 16 other countries, condemn Israeli strike on southern Gaza hospital

Pakistan and 16 other nations have strongly condemned Israel's airstrike on the Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza. The strike, which occurred on Thursday, killed at least six Palestinians, including a 13-year-old boy, and wounded nearly 30 others. The hospital was hit while it was operating as a surgery ward, sparking international outrage.

The foreign ministers of these countries called on Israel to protect civilians and medical facilities, ensuring the continuous and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. They expressed deep concern over the ongoing Israeli restrictions on humanitarian aid, which are exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza as winter approaches.

The statement emphasized that these actions violate international humanitarian law, which affords special protection to medical facilities and healthcare workers. The foreign ministers urged Israel to adhere to the Sharm El-Sheikh Agreement and implement immediate and full commitments under it. They demanded Israel to cease all attacks on Palestinian civilians, lift restrictions on humanitarian aid, and allow UN agencies and humanitarian organizations to carry out their mandates without obstruction.