Pakistan to send 600 tonnes of 'winter aid' to Gaza

The federal government has decided to send much-needed aid to war-torn Gaza as winter approaches.

A meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif discussed the situation in the besieged enclave and received a briefing from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). 

The federal government will send 600 tonnes of aid, including over 12,000 blankets, medicines, and warm clothes, to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people.

PM Shehbaz directed NDMA to ensure the quality of the relief supplies and highlighted Pakistan's solidarity with the "innocent people of Palestine".

He also called on the international community to support the people of Gaza and play a crucial role in achieving a ceasefire.

The conflict in Gaza began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas carried out an operation in Israel, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 people, including 350 Israeli soldiers, and the capture of 250 hostages. 

Israel responded with airstrikes and a ground operation, which continues to this day. 

The ongoing aggression has had devastating consequences, with approximately 42,000 killed, over 98,000 injured, and more than 10,000 people missing.

The international community, including the United Nations, is working to broker a peace deal between Israel and Hamas.