ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan has strongly condemned Israel’s recent airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs and southern Lebanon, calling them a clear violation of international law and a serious threat to regional stability.
In a statement released Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) denounced the June 5 attacks as a breach of Lebanese sovereignty and a violation of the ceasefire agreement reached in November 2024. The strikes came just days before the Muslim festival of Eidul Azha.
“These attacks demonstrate blatant disregard for international norms and pose a grave risk to civilian lives and regional peace,” said a MOFA spokesperson. Islamabad expressed full solidarity with Lebanon, reaffirming its support for the Lebanese government and people “in this difficult hour.”
Pakistan also called on the United Nations and international mediators to take swift and decisive action to hold Israel accountable and prevent any further escalation in hostilities.
“Pakistan remains steadfast in its commitment to peace, justice, and the principles of international law,” the Foreign Office added.
Iran also condemned the Israeli air raids, labelling them “a blatant act of aggression” and an attack on Lebanese sovereignty. The strikes targeted the Dahiyeh district — a densely populated Hezbollah stronghold — as well as areas in South Lebanon. According to Israeli military sources, the operation destroyed at least 100 housing units allegedly used for drone production and storage by Hezbollah. Hezbollah has not publicly responded to the claims.
This marks the fourth Israeli strike on Beirut since the ceasefire with Hezbollah came into effect last year.
Local media, including WAFA news agency, reported widespread destruction in the targeted neighborhoods. However, no official casualty figures have been released.
The airstrikes come as Israel continues its military campaign in Gaza, now entering its ninth month. On the first day of Eidul Azha, Israeli forces reportedly killed 11 Palestinians and injured many others. Despite the ongoing war, many Palestinians performed Eid prayers amid the ruins of their homes.
This is the fourth Eidul Azha to be marked under the devastating conflict in Gaza, which began on October 7, 2023. Human rights groups and aid agencies have repeatedly warned of a humanitarian catastrophe, including a looming famine among Gaza’s population of over two million.
Since the war began, Israeli military operations have resulted in the deaths of nearly 54,700 Palestinians, the vast majority of whom are women and children.
In November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, charging them with war crimes and crimes against humanity. Israel is also currently facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice over its actions in Gaza.
