Pakistan strongly responded to Israel aggression at the United Nations after Tel Aviv attempted to defend its strikes on Doha. The reply came following Israel’s dismissal of widespread condemnation from most members of the UN Security Council. Israel even claimed that America’s operation against Osama bin Laden was not criticised.
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s permanent representative to the UN, called Israel “an aggressor, an occupier, a serial violator of the UN Charter and international law.” He said it was unacceptable and absurd for such a state to misuse the UN forum and disrespect the Council.
Ahmad told the 15 Council members that Israel’s accusations were baseless. He argued that the claims were designed to cover its own unlawful actions and breaches of global law. The heated exchange took place during a Security Council debate on the Middle East situation. The session was convened by Pakistan, Algeria, and Somalia, while South Korea presided over it.
Israeli Ambassador Danny Dannon, however, continued to defend the attack on Qatar. He described it as an “illegal and unprovoked” move aimed at eliminating terrorists. He declared that there was no safe haven in Gaza, Tehran, or Doha. “There is no immunity for terrorists,” Dannon said. He warned that Qatar must expel Hamas, prosecute its leaders, or Israel will act on its own.
In a firm rebuttal, Ambassador Ahmad reminded the Council that Israel is an occupying force that listens to no one. He said Israel ignores advice even from its few remaining friends. It threatens international media, human rights groups, and humanitarian organisations. It disregards the rulings of the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court. It also challenges UN officials. Ahmad said Israel carries out all this with complete impunity, protected by its supporters.
He added that Israel aggression pretends to be a victim while being the occupier. According to him, the attempt to link the bin Laden incident with Pakistan was misleading. He stressed that Pakistan had already clarified its stance on that matter and that its record was public.
The Pakistani envoy recalled Pakistan’s frontline role in the fight against terrorism. He highlighted Pakistan’s sacrifices and its success in crushing Al Qaeda networks. He stated that Pakistan remained committed to the global counterterrorism effort. By contrast, he said, Israel was guilty of state terrorism in Gaza and across the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Ahmad urged the occupying power to carefully read the Council’s latest statement.
In his main address earlier, Ahmad said that striking the territory of a principal mediator for a ceasefire and hostage deal was a calculated attempt to disrupt diplomacy. He accused Israel of trying to derail peace efforts and extend civilian suffering. He questioned if Israel was truly concerned about hostages. He warned that the weak response of the Security Council had emboldened Tel Aviv.
Qatar’s Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, also condemned Israel aggression. He said the September 9 strike on a residential compound hosting Hamas negotiators and their families was a violation of Qatar’s sovereignty. He described it as an act that terrified the local community.
The Qatari leader declared that Israel, led by extremists, had crossed every limit. He asked whether any other state had ever attacked a mediator in such a way. He compared the attack with the Taliban’s political bureau in Doha, which enabled talks with the United States that ended the Afghan war. He pointed out that Washington never attacked the negotiators.
Calling Netanyahu’s defence of the strike “shameful,” the Qatari premier accused Israel of destabilising the region. He said Israel’s actions threaten all chances of peace. He stressed that Qatar will continue to call for peace, not war, and will not yield to those promoting bloodshed and destruction.