Arrest of Palestinian ministers and legislators by Israel

Pakistan deplores the arrest of a large number of Palestinian cabinet ministers and parliamentarians by Israel.

The destruction of Palestinian infrastructure by Israeli forces has added to the suffering of Palestinian people who were already facing extreme hardship due to the suspension of international economic assistance to the Palestinian National Authority. It is a matter of concern that Israel has not heeded the calls to stop military action against Palestinians. Pakistan hopes that the regional leaders and the international community would take immediate measures to halt the collective punishment Israel is inflicting on Palestinian civilians.

Islamabad

June 30, 2006