Like other Muslim countries across the world, Pakistan has expressed

shock and horror over recent Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip. Pakistan
has urged the international community to push Israel for cessation of its
unilateral strikes that have killed hundreds of Palestinians, including
women and children. Expressing solidarity with the Palestinians,
Pakistan has reiterated that it will continue to support the creation of a
Palestinian state through the two-state solution.
Violence in the Middle East has also tilted public sentiment in Pakistan
against the US and Israel. While some sections of the society have
expressed their dismay over the limited coverage of conflict by local
media, Pakistanis continue to create a buzz on social media platforms by
strongly condemning Israeli aggression. Several graphic images and
tweets not only showcase brutalities of the conflict, but also call for a
boycott of businesses with Israeli links. Some other videos purportedly
show the people of Gaza inviting armed forces of Pakistan to save them.
Pakistan has always adopted a pro-Palestinian stance at all global
forums. Further, Pakistan does not recognize the existence of Israel as a
state. Similarly, the general public in Pakistan has always voiced deep
concern over violence in Palestinian territories through protest rallies
against Israel.
Pakistan is expected to refrain from playing a lead role in the current
situation due to its foreign policy stance and other internal priorities.
Pakistan would not seek to get embroiled in the sticky Israel-Palestinian
conflict as it may further complicate its volatile relationship with the US.
At the same time, the government of Pakistan realizes that it may not be
able to make any significant contribution in reviving the regions futile
peace process. It will allow other Muslim countries, who hold higher
stakes in regional turbulence, to make efforts to reach a cease-fire
between Israel and Palestinian authorities. Therefore, it serves in the
best interest of Pakistan to continue supporting a pro-Palestinian stance
in the United Nations and condemning Israeli violence on humanitarian
grounds.
The government of Pakistan is likely to commit itself to early completion
of military operation in North Waziristan region, stabilizing political
threats, economic revival and overcoming the countrys nagging energy
crisis. The security challenge is in itself a battle for the survival of
Pakistan and key to restoring peace in the country. By eliminating
militancy from the country, the government hopes to gain confidence of

foreign investors, create employment and put the economy back on

track.