Pakistan (Commonwealth Union)_ At an emergency Arab-Islamic summit held in Doha on Monday, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for bold international action in response to Israel’s recent military strike in Qatar. He proposed the formation of an Arab-Islamic task force to counter what he described as Israel’s “expansionist ambitions” and urged the suspension of Israel’s membership in the United Nations. The summit, hosted by Qatar following an Israeli airstrike in Doha on September 9, an attack that reportedly targeted Hamas officials, brought together leaders from across the Muslim world. The strike has heightened regional tensions, and although Hamas stated that its leadership was not harmed, five of its members were reportedly killed.
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In his address, Prime Minister Sharif described the attack as a grave violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and a direct breach of international law. He emphasized that Pakistan stands in full solidarity with Qatar and condemned the Israeli operation in the strongest possible terms. “This was not just an attack on Qatar. It was an attack on the principles of international diplomacy and peaceful negotiation,” Sharif said. “Such aggression cannot be ignored or normalized.” Pakistan, currently holding a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, presented a wide-ranging set of proposals during the summit’s preparatory meetings. These proposals include:
- Holding Israel accountable for war crimes.
- Establishing a joint Arab-Islamic task force to prevent future aggression.
- Pushing for the suspension of Israel’s UN membership.
- Imposing sanctions or punitive actions by member states.
- Demanding an immediate and lasting ceasefire.
- Securing the release of Palestinian prisoners.
- Guaranteeing safe and unrestricted humanitarian access in Gaza.
- Reviving efforts toward a two-state solution with East Jerusalem as the Palestinian capital.
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Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar outlined the initiative in a seven-point plan aimed at uniting Muslim nations around actionable steps to counter Israeli military operations, which he characterized as part of a “rogue policy” in the region. Leaders from across the Muslim world echoed Pakistan’s call for accountability. A joint statement criticized the Israeli attack on Qatar, stating that it reflects a pattern of behavior that jeopardizes regional stability and weakens prospects for peace. Several countries, including Egypt, Iran, Turkey, Indonesia, Malaysia, Jordan, and Bangladesh, backed Israel’s suspension from the UN and urged concerted political, legal, and economic measures.
Qatar’s Amir, HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, spoke with Prime Minister Sharif on the margins of the conference. The two presidents spoke about the Israeli strike, regional security concerns, and the necessity for increased bilateral cooperation in the face of rising tensions. Sharif emphasized that Israel’s assault on Qatar was part of a bigger strategy that includes ongoing bombing of Gaza, where thousands of people, many of whom are women and children, remain surrounded and without access to basic necessities. He claimed that the Israeli assault undermines the efforts of Qatar and others to broker regional peace. “The situation in Gaza is catastrophic,” he said. “And now, the attack on Doha shows a dangerous disregard for diplomacy. We must respond with unity and resolve.”
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Calling on the international community, Sharif urged the UN Security Council to immediately intervene and compel Israel to end its hostilities, protect aid workers and journalists, and reopen humanitarian corridors in Gaza. He concluded by highlighting the historical significance of the summit: “This gathering is a turning point. Muslim nations are united in their opposition to injustice. History will recall that in Doha, the Islamic world chose action over silence.” The emergency summit concluded with a unified proclamation by the attending states, reaffirming their common stance against Israeli aggression and asking for renewed effort toward a just and sustainable peace in the Middle East.
