Pakistan condemns Israeli strikes on Iran, demands UN action

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s foreign office on Saturday condemned Israeli military strikes on Iran, describing them as a violation of the United Nations (UN) charter and the international law.
Israel carried out strikes against Iran early Saturday, saying it was responding to missile attacks conducted by Tehran earlier in the month.
Air defense systems in Tehran could be seen shooting down projectiles over the east of the city, prompting authorities to shut down Iranian air space.
Pakistan’s foreign office said the strikes undermined the path to regional peace and stability, and constituted a “dangerous escalation” in an already volatile region. 
“Israel bears full responsibility for the current cycle of escalation and expansion of the conflict,” it said in a statement. 
“We call on the UN Security Council to play its role for the maintenance of international peace and security, and to take immediate steps to bring an end to Israeli recklessness in the region and its criminal behavior.”

Since the deadliest attack in its history on October 7, 2023, Israel has been fighting Hamas in Gaza, and since late last month, it has been at war with Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Both Hezbollah and Hamas are allies of Iran. Pakistan, a major ally of the United States, shares a long border with Iran.
Israel’s strikes on Iran did not include attacking Iranian nuclear facilities or oil fields, and focused on military targets, NBC News and ABC News reported, citing an Israeli official.
The Iranians confirmed that military sites in the provinces of Ilam, Khuzestan and Tehran had been struck. Iran’s state TV later said that operations at Tehran’s airports including Imam Khomeini International airport were “normal.”
In its statement, the Pakistani foreign office called on the international community to play its role for restoring peace and security in the region.