ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday called for the immediate halt of Israel’s military hostilities in Gaza, reiterating Islamabad’s stance of supporting a two-state solution to the Middle East crisis at the regional Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in China.

Sharif’s statement at the 25th Council of Heads of State summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Tianjin came as Israel pushes ahead with the initial stages of a new military offensive in Gaza. At least 63,000 Palestinians have been killed by the Israeli military in Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023, as per the Gaza Health Ministry. 

“We reiterate our call for an immediate end to this gruesome violence and heart wrenching bloodshed in Gaza,” Sharif said. “Pakistan has consistently supported the UN-mandated two-state solution that is the creation of an independent state of Palestine with pre-1967 borders and Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.”

Israeli restrictions on the entry of supplies into Gaza since Israel began its military operations there nearly two years ago have led to shortages of food and essential supplies, including medicine and fuel, which hospitals require to power their generators.

A global hunger monitor said last month that Gaza and its surrounding areas are officially suffering from famine, adding that it will likely spread. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification system said 514,000 people — nearly a quarter of Palestinians in Gaza — are experiencing famine and that is due to rise to 641,000 by the end of September.

“The suffering and starvation unfolding in Gaza is a festering wound on our collective conscience,” Sharif said. 

Pakistan, as well as other countries around the world, have increased calls for Israel to desist from its military operations in Gaza after Israel’s government approved a plan last month to take over the territory. 

KABUL, Afghanistan: A strong earthquake in eastern Afghanistan near the Pakistan border has killed at least 250 people and injured at least 500 others, officials said.

The quake late Sunday hit a series of towns in the province of Kunar, near the city of Jalalabad in neighboring Nangahar province. The 6.0 magnitude at 11:47 p.m. was centered 27 kilometers (17 miles) east-northeast of the city of Jalalabad in Nangarhar province, the US Geological Survey said. It was just 8 kilometers (5 miles) deep. Shallower quakes tend to cause more damage.

The Kunar Disaster Management Authority said in a statement that at least 250 people were killed and 500 others injured in the districts of Nur Gul, Soki, Watpur, Manogi and Chapadare.

Jalalabad is a bustling trade city due to its proximity with neighboring Pakistan and a key border crossing between the countries. Although it has a population of about 300,000 according to the municipality, it’s metropolitan area is thought to be far larger. Most of its buildings are low-rise constructions, mostly of concrete and brick, and its outlying areas include homes built of mud bricks and wood. Many are of poor construction.

Jalalabad also has considerable agriculture and farming, including citrus fruit and rice, with the Kabul River flowing through the city.

A magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck Afghanistan on Oct. 7, 2023, followed by strong aftershocks. The Taliban government estimated at least 4,000 people perished.

The UN gave a far lower death toll of about 1,500. It was the deadliest natural disaster to strike Afghanistan in recent memory.