Deputy PM Condemns Israeli Strike on Qatar

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, has urged the formation of an Arab-Islamic task force to counter what he described as Israel’s “expansionist designs” and ongoing aggression in the region.

Speaking at the Doha Ministerial Meeting ahead of the Emergency Arab-Islamic Summit, Dar called Israel a “persistent danger to world peace and security.” He condemned the airstrike on Qatar, which killed five Hamas members and a Qatari security officer, as reckless, illegal, and a violation of international law.

Calls for UN Action Under Chapter VII

Dar stressed the need for urgent United Nations Security Council (UNSC) action under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, demanding:

• An immediate and permanent ceasefire

• The release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners

• Accountability for Israeli war crimes

He also urged the suspension of Israel’s UN membership until it complies with international law.

Emphasis on Humanitarian Access

The Pakistani minister highlighted the urgency of humanitarian access in Gaza and the West Bank, demanding protection for aid workers, medical teams, and UN personnel. He further called for a time-bound political process to achieve a two-state solution in line with UN and OIC resolutions.

Doha Summit Demonstrates Muslim Solidarity

The Doha Summit, attended by over 50 member states of the OIC, signaled growing Arab-Islamic unity in the wake of Israeli strikes. A draft resolution condemned Israel’s actions as a destabilizing escalation and rejected its attempts to “impose a new reality” in the region.

Although the draft did not initially include economic or diplomatic sanctions, diplomats suggested it could be amended before leaders convene.

Bilateral Meetings with Muslim Nations

During his stay in Doha, Dar held meetings with foreign ministers from Egypt, Iran, Malaysia, and Bangladesh. In each meeting, leaders:

• Condemned Israeli attacks on Qatar and Palestine

• Reaffirmed support for the Palestinian cause

• Stressed the unity of the Muslim Ummah

Pakistan’s Strong Position

The Foreign Office of Pakistan reiterated that repeated Israeli strikes on sovereign states represent a grave threat not only to the Muslim world but also to the international community.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also visited Doha, meeting the Qatari Emir to express Pakistan’s full solidarity and denounce Israel’s aggression.

Global Diplomatic Shift

The strike on Qatar has altered diplomatic dynamics. For the first time in years, the United States joined all 15 UNSC members in condemning Israel’s actions. US President Donald Trump said he was “very unhappy” with the strike but continued engagement with Qatar, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed strong ties with Israel.