ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has strongly condemned the latest Israeli raid on southern Lebanon resulting in the death of a large number of innocent civilians and wanton destruction of property. The nation’s feelings of indignation over the Israeli raid were conveyed to Lebanese Prime Minister Takieddin al-Solh by Prime Minister Bhutto in a message released here today [May 17]. The message said in full:

“The latest Israeli act of brigandage and cold-blooded murder of a large number of civilians in southern Lebanon has caused deep shock and indignation all over Pakistan. We condemn this continuing lawlessness and call upon the international community to take effective measures to uphold international law and in particular the principle of non-admissibility of the use of naked force as an instrument of international policy. The Government and people of Pakistan share this sorrow of our Lebanese brothers and sisters for the loss of so many innocent lives. …”

[Meanwhile, as reported by news agencies from Zfat, Israel] Israeli President Efraim Katzir narrowly escaped being lynched by infuriated Jews [at] yesterday’s funeral here of children killed in Wednesday’s massacre by Israeli troops at Maalot.

Published in Dawn, May 18th, 2024