UN,Sep.13,2025:The Pakistan Israel Clash at UN has become one of the most debated geopolitical developments of September 2025. The controversy erupted after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a video linking Pakistan with Osama bin Laden in the context of defending Israel’s recent military strike in Qatar.
What started as a video message marking the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks quickly escalated into a fiery exchange between Pakistan and Israel’s representatives at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) emergency session. The debate highlighted not only regional tensions but also the global double standards in the war on terror.
Netanyahu’s Video that Sparked the Row
On 10 September 2025, the eve of the 9/11 anniversary, Netanyahu’s office released a two-minute video. In the message, he justified Israel’s strike on Hamas leaders in Doha by drawing parallels with America’s pursuit of Osama bin Laden in Pakistan in 2011.
Netanyahu said:
- “The U.S. hunted down Osama bin Laden in Pakistan. No one condemned America for that. Instead, the world applauded.”
- “Israel is doing the same by targeting those responsible for the October 7 massacre, and if terrorists find safe haven in Qatar or elsewhere, Israel will act.”
This statement instantly went viral in Pakistan’s social media space, sparking outrage and leading to an official diplomatic rebuttal.
Qatar Attack and Global Reactions
On Tuesday, 9 September 2025, Israel launched airstrikes in Doha targeting senior Hamas officials. According to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), the operation aimed at eliminating those responsible for the October 7 atrocities.
- Hamas claimed the delegation in Doha was there for peace talks and survived the attack.
- Qatar reported at least six casualties, including a security officer.
The incident triggered an emergency UNSC meeting, where several countries including Pakistan, Qatar, and Egypt condemned the strike. However, the joint UN statement avoided directly naming Israel, a move that further fueled criticism.
Pakistan’s Strong Response at UN Security Council
During the UNSC debate, Pakistan’s permanent representative Asim Iftikhar Ahmad launched a scathing attack on Israel, accusing it of:
- “Twisting facts and linking Pakistan to unrelated events.”
- “Violating international law and justifying unlawful actions through fabricated narratives.”
He emphasized Pakistan’s sacrifices in the war against terror, stating:
“The world knows that it was due to Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts that al-Qaeda was dismantled. Any attempt to associate Pakistan with global terrorism is malicious and unacceptable.”
Ahmad also condemned the Qatar strike, calling it a breach of sovereignty and a direct threat to peace in the region.
Israel’s Counter-Argument on Osama bin Laden
Israel’s representative Danny Danon immediately countered Pakistan’s speech, reiterating Netanyahu’s stance:
- “The fact remains that Osama bin Laden was killed in Pakistan. That truth cannot be erased.”
- “No one condemned the U.S. for striking inside Pakistan. Why then is Israel held to a different standard?”
Danon accused Pakistan of “double standards” in its criticism of Israel, urging the international community to treat all counterterrorism actions equally.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry Slams Netanyahu
Qatar strongly rejected Netanyahu’s comparison of its situation with Pakistan’s past.
In an official statement, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said:
- “This is a shameful attempt to justify Israel’s cowardly attack on Doha.”
- “Hamas’ presence in Qatar has always been part of internationally backed mediation efforts, including requests from the U.S. and Israel themselves.”
- “Unlike al-Qaeda, Hamas has engaged in negotiations. Netanyahu’s analogy is misleading and dangerous.”
Qatar vowed to protect its sovereignty and continue its role as a neutral mediator in Middle East peace talks.
International Community’s Divided Stand
The Pakistan Israel Clash at UN also exposed global divisions:
- Western powers refrained from directly condemning Israel, aligning with its right to self-defense.
- Muslim-majority nations including Pakistan, Qatar, and Egypt denounced Israel’s attack as a blatant violation of sovereignty.
- Russia and China called for restraint but subtly criticized the Israeli strikes.
This uneven response reinforced the long-standing debate about double standards in international diplomacy.
Why This Clash Matters for Global Diplomacy
This confrontation has implications far beyond Pakistan, Israel, and Qatar:
- Geopolitical Polarization – The debate deepens the divide between Western allies of Israel and Muslim-majority states.
- Counterterrorism Precedents – If Netanyahu’s analogy gains traction, it could be used by states to justify cross-border military actions.
- UN’s Credibility at Stake – The UNSC’s inability to name Israel despite condemning the attack highlights its diplomatic limitations.
- Middle East Peace Process – Qatar’s position as a mediator could be weakened if such attacks continue.
Historical Context of Pakistan-Israel Relations
Pakistan and Israel do not share formal diplomatic ties. Historically:
- Pakistan has refused to recognize Israel due to its stance on Palestine.
- In 2005, a rare meeting took place between their foreign ministers in Istanbul, but relations did not progress.
- The latest UN clash further widens the diplomatic gap, making normalization unlikely in the near future.
The Pakistan Israel Clash at UN over Netanyahu’s controversial video has reignited debates on terrorism, sovereignty, and double standards in international relations.
Pakistan asserts that its record in fighting terrorism speaks for itself, while Israel insists that its actions mirror America’s pursuit of Osama bin Laden. Qatar, caught in the crossfire, defends its role as a mediator but faces growing threats to its sovereignty.
