Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent statement at the Arab-Islamic summit, demanding that Israel be held accountable for its “war crimes against humanity,” is a significant and timely intervention. His call for the creation of an Arab-Islamic task force to counter Israel’s “expansionist designs” is not merely a diplomatic gesture but a crucial step towards a more unified and forceful response from the Muslim world. For too long, the international community’s inaction and selective application of justice have allowed a state to act with impunity, in blatant disregard of international law and human rights.

The Prime Minister’s emphasis on holding Israel accountable is rooted in the widely documented evidence of its actions in the Palestinian territories. The indiscriminate bombing of civilian areas, the targeting of hospitals and schools, the collective punishment of entire populations, and the use of disproportionate force—all fall squarely under the definitions of war crimes as outlined in the Geneva Conventions and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. The ongoing siege of Gaza, which has led to a humanitarian catastrophe and a state of near-famine, is a clear violation of international humanitarian law. This is not a matter of political debate; it is a legal and moral imperative. The world, particularly the West, has often turned a blind eye to these atrocities, providing diplomatic cover and military aid that only emboldens the aggressor.

PM Shehbaz’s proposal for an Arab-Islamic task force is a recognition of this grim reality. Relying solely on a paralyzed United Nations Security Council, where veto powers often block any meaningful action, has proven to be an ineffective strategy. A unified, well-organized task force could serve as a powerful counterweight to Israel’s hegemonic ambitions. Such a body could not only coordinate diplomatic and political pressure but also explore legal and economic measures, including targeted sanctions and boycotts, to compel Israel to abide by international law. It would send a clear message that the Muslim world will no longer tolerate the systematic dispossession and suffering of the Palestinian people.

This is a moment that demands unity and courage. While some Arab nations have been hesitant to take a hard line, PM Shehbaz’s call to action is a clarion call for solidarity. The creation of such a task force would be a significant step toward reclaiming the narrative and ensuring that justice is not just an abstract concept but a tangible outcome. It is time for the Arab and Islamic world to move beyond condemnations and symbolic gestures. The only language that an expansionist power understands is that of strength and a unified front. By holding Israel accountable for its past actions and deterring its future designs, the proposed task force could pave the way for a just and lasting peace, grounded in international law and the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people. The time for action is now.