New York – Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, delivered a powerful and impassioned speech at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) during its quarterly debate on the Middle East and the Palestinian issue. Representing Pakistan’s official position, Dar voiced strong condemnation of Israeli actions in occupied Palestine and called for urgent international efforts to resolve the longstanding conflict.
As chair of the session, Dar emphasized that the UN’s credibility and global standing are at stake if the Palestinian issue remains unresolved, particularly in light of Israel’s continued aggression in Gaza and the West Bank. He urged the world’s leading powers to uphold international law and commit to justice, freedom, and human dignity for the Palestinian people.
Quarterly UNSC Debate Focuses on Middle East and Palestine
The quarterly open debate of the United Nations Security Council is a significant diplomatic forum where member states gather to assess and discuss major issues affecting peace and security across the Middle East. At the July 2025 session, chaired by Pakistan, the central theme was the ongoing humanitarian and political crisis in Palestine, as well as broader tensions in Syria, Lebanon, and Iran.
With representatives from all major world powers in attendance, Dar’s speech resonated as a comprehensive critique of inaction and an appeal for moral responsibility.
Condemnation of Israeli Actions and Violations
In his remarks, Ishaq Dar strongly condemned the Israeli government’s systematic and deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, UN facilities, and refugee camps in Gaza and the West Bank.
“These are not isolated incidents,” said Dar. “They represent a well-thought-out and calculated policy of collective punishment against the Palestinian population.”
He further stated that such acts constitute grave violations of international humanitarian law, the Geneva Conventions, and several UN Security Council and General Assembly resolutions, which prohibit targeting civilian sites during armed conflict.
UN’s Credibility and Global Order at Risk
Deputy Prime Minister Dar did not shy away from expressing deep frustration with the lack of decisive international action, especially from global institutions mandated to protect human rights and enforce international law.
“The Palestinian issue has become a litmus test for the credibility, impartiality, and effectiveness of the United Nations. If the international community continues to ignore this decades-long injustice, it will lead to irreparable damage to the UN’s reputation.”
Dar reminded the Council that the continued inability to enforce its own resolutions, especially regarding Israeli settlement expansions, occupation policies, and blockade of Gaza, makes it increasingly difficult for the world to view the UN as a neutral arbiter of peace.
Call for Immediate Ceasefire and Humanitarian Access
In a direct appeal to the international community, Dar demanded:
- An immediate ceasefire in the region,
- Unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza and occupied Palestinian territories,
- And international guarantees for the protection of civilians and medical personnel.
He pointed to the unbearable humanitarian catastrophe that has unfolded over the past year, with thousands of civilians killed or injured, and basic services like water, electricity, and healthcare under siege.
The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that denying access to food, water, medicine, and shelter not only violates human rights but also amounts to war crimes under international law.
Historical Context of the Palestinian Conflict
Dar’s address also alluded to the decades-old struggle of the Palestinian people, rooted in a complex history of occupation, displacement, and broken promises.
The Palestinian-Israeli conflict dates back to the mid-20th century, following the creation of Israel in 1948. The displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, the 1967 Six-Day War and the occupation of Gaza and the West Bank, and the continued expansion of Israeli settlements have all contributed to one of the longest-running and most volatile conflicts in modern history.
Repeated UN resolutions, including UNSC Resolutions 242, 338, and 2334, have called for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied territories and the establishment of a two-state solution. Yet, no permanent resolution has been reached.
Pakistan’s Longstanding Support for Palestine
Pakistan has historically maintained a principled and unwavering stance in support of Palestinian self-determination. At international forums including the UN, OIC, and NAM, Pakistan has consistently condemned Israeli aggression and demanded the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Ishaq Dar reiterated this position during the UNSC session, stating:
“Pakistan stands firmly with the Palestinian people in their quest for justice, dignity, and sovereignty. This is not merely a political issue, but a humanitarian and moral obligation.”
The Role of the International Community
Dar called on all member states, particularly permanent members of the Security Council, to go beyond mere statements of concern. He insisted on practical measures and collective efforts to de-escalate violence and create conditions for a sustainable peace process.
He also encouraged:
- Increased diplomatic pressure on Israel to halt military operations,
- Greater involvement of neutral peace brokers,
- And the revitalization of the Middle East Peace Process under international guarantees.
Dar noted that without credible enforcement mechanisms, diplomatic engagement alone would remain ineffective.
Addressing Broader Regional Conflicts
While the focus remained on Palestine, Dar also touched upon the interconnected nature of conflicts in Syria, Lebanon, and Iran, stating that lasting peace in the Middle East is impossible without addressing these crises comprehensively.
He urged the UN Security Council to adopt a holistic approach that considers:
- The civil war in Syria and its humanitarian fallout,
- Sectarian tensions and foreign interventions in Lebanon,
- And the increasing geopolitical rivalry involving Iran and Western powers.
Dar emphasized that regional stability and Palestinian liberation must be pursued in tandem, as they are intertwined in their impact on peace and security.
Foreign Office Statement on X (formerly Twitter)
In a supporting move, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan issued an official statement on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), highlighting Pakistan’s leadership in elevating the Palestinian discussion to the ministerial level.
“Pakistan has upgraded the UN Security Council debate to ministerial level to highlight the urgency and gravity of the Palestinian crisis. The international community must act decisively,” the statement read.
This gesture reflects Pakistan’s commitment to utilizing its diplomatic platforms for meaningful change.
Appeal to the United Nations Security Council
Concluding his address, Ishaq Dar issued a clear and urgent appeal to the United Nations Security Council:
- Take immediate and practical steps to protect Palestinian civilians,
- Prevent further violations of international humanitarian law,
- And revive international consensus on the implementation of a just, durable, and two-state solution.
He reminded the Council that global silence or passivity in the face of genocide, occupation, and apartheid undermines the foundational values of the United Nations Charter.
Conclusion: A Moment of Reckoning for Global Diplomacy
Ishaq Dar’s speech at the UNSC marks a critical juncture in global diplomatic efforts surrounding the Middle East. As the crisis in Palestine continues to spiral, his message underscores the urgency of collective moral responsibility.
The Deputy Prime Minister’s call to action is more than a diplomatic speech—it is a plea for justice, a warning about institutional decay, and a reminder that the world must not turn a blind eye to what has become one of the gravest humanitarian tragedies of our time.
Failure to act now could shatter the credibility of international law, destabilize the region, and further embolden violators of human rights.
