Pakistan called Israel attack “illegal, unprovoked, and a threat to regional stability.”
The fiery exchange took place during an emergency UNSC session held under the agenda item ‘Situation in the Middle East’. The meeting was called at the request of Algeria, Pakistan, and Somalia, with support from France and the United Kingdom.
Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, delivered a stern rebuke against Israel’s action. He described the attack on Hamas leaders in Qatar as a “brazen and illegal assault” and a direct violation of Qatar’s sovereignty.
The rare confrontation between Pakistan and Israel on the global stage has sparked new diplomatic debates, raising questions about regional security, international law, and the role of global powers in the Middle East crisis.
This exchange at the UNSC marks one of the sharpest confrontations between Pakistan and Israel in recent years. Islamabad’s strong stance reflects its alignment with Middle Eastern states opposing Israeli military actions beyond occupied territories. By highlighting Qatar’s sovereignty, Pakistan is also signaling broader support for Gulf nations while pressing for accountability under international law. For Israel, the criticism adds pressure at a time when its regional operations are drawing global scrutiny. The debate underscores how the Middle East conflict continues to divide global powers, with Pakistan positioning itself as a vocal defender of Muslim states. The coming days will reveal whether this confrontation remains rhetorical or translates into wider diplomatic rifts.
“The brazen and illegal assault is not an isolated incident, rather it is part of a broader and consistent pattern of aggression and violation of international law by Israel that undermines regional peace and stability.”
He highlighted that the “Israeli strikes targeted a residential neighbourhood, deliberately endangering civilians, and thus, also constitute a grave breach of the International Humanitarian Law.”
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Ahmad described the attack as a direct challenge to diplomacy, as it targeted Qatar at a time when delicate negotiations on a Gaza peace deal were reportedly progressing toward a possible breakthrough.
“Striking the territory of a principal mediator and those directly involved in negotiations is a deliberate attempt to sabotage diplomacy, derail peace efforts, and prolong the suffering of civilians,” he said.
He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with Qatar, highlighting the recent visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to Doha as a demonstration of Islamabad’s support for the security and sovereignty of the Gulf nation.
“The visit underscores Pakistan’s unwavering support for the security and sovereignty of Qatar and its commitment to peace and stability in the Middle East,” he said.
He condemned Israel’s attack as a flagrant violation of the UN Charter, particularly Article 2(4), which prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.
Ahmad warned that the attack was consistent with Israel’s long record of cross-border military actions in Gaza, Syria, Lebanon, Iran, and Yemen, describing it as “yet another manifestation of [Israel’s] systematic disregard for international law, and its brazen policy of destabilising the region.”
Reading from the Security Council statement adopted earlier in the day, he highlighted the unanimous condemnation of the strikes in Doha, noting that members had expressed deep regret at the loss of civilian life, underscored the importance of de-escalation, and affirmed support for Qatar’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The statement also stressed the vital role Qatar continues to play in mediation efforts alongside Egypt and the United States for a ceasefire in Gaza, and called for the release of hostages and the end of the conflict in Gaza.
He highlighted Pakistan’s frontline role in counterterrorism.
“The international community is well aware of Pakistan’s sacrifices in the fight against terrorism. Al Qaeda was largely decimated due to Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts, and we remain committed to this collective endeavor,” he said, reinforcing that Islamabad’s position was based on facts and international law.
Following Pakistan’s response, the Israeli ambassador returned to the floor, accusing Pakistan and others of applying double standards.
