KARACHI: Thousands of demonstrators, including numerous women and children, gathered on Sunday in Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city, to demand international intervention to halt Israeli assaults on Gaza and hold Israel accountable for alleged “crimes against humanity.”
The conflict in Gaza erupted following Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, which resulted in over 1,100 fatalities, in retaliation for the worsening conditions faced by Palestinians under Israeli occupation. Israel’s subsequent retaliatory offensive has been criticized as disproportionate, with the Palestinian health ministry reporting over 35,000 Palestinian deaths, predominantly among women and children.
The Sunday rally, organized by the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) party, saw thousands of participants holding placards and banners, and chanting slogans in solidarity with the Palestinians.
“Israel must be prosecuted for its crimes against humanity and forced to cease the genocide of Palestinians immediately,” stated JI leader Naeem-ur-Rehman, urging Muslim leaders to unite in support of Palestine.
Rehman praised the global youth, including those in Western countries, for condemning their governments’ pro-Israel stances.
“Youth in Pakistan and around the world are leading the charge in voicing opposition to Israeli terrorism against Palestinians,” Rehman said. “The state-sponsored terrorism by the US and the West against innocent Palestinians through Israel has exposed their double standards.”
Zeb Irfan, an A-level student, expressed sorrow over the deaths of children in Gaza, criticizing the indifference of world leaders.
“Children, elderly, mothers, and fathers are dying in Gaza, Rafah, and other areas, and yet, global leaders remain indifferent,” she remarked.
Irfan attended the protest to show solidarity with Palestinians. “My message to the global community is that Palestinians deserve peace and freedom,” she added.
Usman Shaikh, an employee at a private firm, encouraged more people to support Palestinians and oppose Israeli actions in Gaza.
“I want the people of Palestine to know that we stand with them, and that Pakistanis are in solidarity with them. We must come forward,” he said.
Asma Saleem, a teacher, described the situation in Gaza as “genocide,” criticizing the lack of action.
“Despite the visible genocide in Gaza, there is a pervasive silence and inaction. We urge the governments of all Muslim countries to unite and take decisive steps to end this genocide,” she said.
“They [Palestinians] seek shelter, but Israeli forces target these sheltered areas and obstruct aid. This war must end immediately.”
