Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar on Friday held a telephonic conversation with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to address the grave situation unfolding in the occupied territory as the Palestinian death toll reaches 4,137.

Islamabad has called Israel’s “deliberate” attacks on civilian targets “war crimes and crimes against humanity,” and has been demanding an immediate ceasefire, an end to the siege of Gaza, and the facilitation of humanitarian corridors for unrestricted relief supplies.

The conflict in Gaza, under Israeli bombardment and blockade since Oct. 7, began when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea, and air. It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip. Gaza is experiencing a dire humanitarian crisis, with no electricity, while water, food, fuel, and medical supplies are running out.

Read More: Pakistan to send humanitarian aid to Gaza

At least 4,137 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza, while the figure stands at more than 1,400 people in Israel.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the call focused on the continuous and devastating actions of Israeli occupation forces in Gaza and the West Bank, which have led to an alarming humanitarian crisis.

During the conversation, PM Kakar strongly condemned the incessant and lethal bombardments carried out by Israeli occupation forces, with particular reference to the distressing bombing of Al-Ahli hospital.

These acts of aggression, he emphasised, were both reprehensible and deliberate, resulting in the tragic loss of over 3,000 innocent lives and leaving more than 12,000 individuals injured.

Read More: Pakistan in diplomatic push for Gaza peace

Both leaders stressed the immediate need for the international community to exert pressure on Israel to cease the bloodshed.

They also agreed on the urgency of lifting the blockade on Gaza to ensure the delivery of crucial humanitarian aid and medical assistance to those affected.

The PMO statement said that Pakistan has taken a proactive step in this regard, dispatching its first consignment of humanitarian aid for the Palestinian people, which arrived in Egypt on Thursday

PM Kakar underscored that it was imperative for the international community and the United Nations to take resolute measures to address this crisis while upholding the principles of justice, humanity, and international law.

Furthermore, the prime minister reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to a just and lasting resolution of the Palestinian conflict.

This commitment, he added, is rooted in the “two-state” solution, which envisions the establishment of a sovereign and viable Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital, and borders that reflect the pre-1967 arrangement.

In response, President Mahmoud Abbas expressed his gratitude to Pakistan for its steadfast and enduring support in the Palestinian people’s ongoing struggle for freedom from Israeli occupation.

This exchange of dialogue reflects Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian cause during these challenging times.