People across Pakistan on Sunday displayed unwavering sympathy and support for the people of Gaza in the face of Israeli aggression, resulting in approximately 2,000 lives lost. The aggression has sparked worldwide condemnation and calls from the Muslim world to end hostilities.
The call for this protest came from Jamat-e-Islami, a move aimed at demonstrating solidarity with Palestine. In Karachi, JI leader Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman led the rally, with participants holding placards bearing messages of support for the Palestinian people.
The biggest city of Pakistan is going to hold the biggest solidarity March for Palestine today. Lets join now #KarachiStands4FreePalestine & show how united & tall we are standing. pic.twitter.com/D8DFfWyUB7
— Jamaat e Islami Karachi (@KarachiJamaat) October 15, 2023
The demonstrators marched from Baloch Colony to Nursery bus stop on foot under the leadership of the JI leader.
Participants in the rally fervently expressed their anger through chants denouncing Israel's aggression.
Rawalpindi
Similarly, a rally was also held in Rawalpindi's Liaquat Bagh, drawing scores of participants who vehemently condemned the Israeli aggression against innocent unarmed civilians in Palestine.
During his address, JI Punjab Amir Dr Tariq Saleem commended Hamas' "surprise attack" on Israel, noting that this move had unsettled Tel Aviv for the first time. He cautioned the United States against taking sides in the conflict and urged them to refrain from supporting Netanyahu's administration.
Read More: Pakistan rallies in solidarity with Palestinians
Dr Saleem suggested that should the US become further embroiled in the escalating situation, it could face similar consequences as it did in Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, the Royal Riders Pakistan organised a motorbike rally to express solidarity with the Palestinian people, with children joining their parents in the event.
Lahore
In Lahore, the Muslim Youth League organised a similar rally, attracting a large number of participants who displayed placards calling for Israel to cease the killing of innocent civilians in Gaza.
Israel readies troops for Gaza invasion
Meanwhile, Israel pressed on Sunday with preparations for a ground offensive in Gaza, after giving Palestinians little time to flee northern areas it has vowed to target in response to the deadliest attack in its history.
Hamas fighters killed over 1,300 people in a surprise attack that Israel has compared to 9/11 in the United States. Israel has retaliated with a massive bombing campaign in Gaza leaving over 2,200 dead.
Read More: Arab states say Palestinians must stay on their land
Israel has warned around 1.1 million Gazans living in the north of the Palestinian territory to flee to the south ahead of a ground incursion which the military has indicated will focus on Gaza City, the base of the leadership of the Hamas group.
The military said Gaza City residents must not delay their departure but a spokesperson said late Saturday they still had time to leave and that the ground offensive would not start on Sunday.
Since Friday thousands of Gazans, who cannot leave the enclave as it is blockaded by both Israel and Egypt, have packed what belongings they can into bags and suitcases, to trudge through the rubble-strewn streets.
Read the full story at the express tribune website.
