Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Wins Praise for Powerful Speech at UNSC
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Wins Praise for Powerful UNSC Speech
Allow me to present Ambassador Asim Iftikhar, Pakistan’s permanent ambassador to the UN. He has won enormous acclaim from Pakistanis online for his cool but devastating answer to Israeli claims during Thursday’s UNSC session.
UNSC Session and Global Reactions
All fifteen members of the United Nations Security Council, including the US, and an angry Qatar denounced Israel for encroaching on the sovereignty of the Gulf state during the emergency session that was requested by Somalia and Pakistan.
Israeli Ambassador’s Statement
Amid all the criticism, Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon sought to make a point by denouncing Israel for its assault on Hamas officials in Doha and applauding other governments for taking action against terrorists, such as the US for eliminating Osama bin Laden in Pakistan.
Ambassador Iftikhar’s Response
After asking for the president of the council to allow him to speak, Ambassador Iftikhar continued to attack Israel for five and a half minutes. He questioned whether his Israeli colleague had listened closely to what was being said in the chamber and said it was “ludicrous for an aggressor, an occupier and a serial violator of the UN charter and international law, Israel, to abuse this chamber.
Strong Words Against Israel
Israel “does not heed any advice, even from its friends, if it has any left,” the ambassador added. The Pakistanis on X couldn’t help but shout the ambassador’s praises, as his sentiments resounded around the council and other delegates made similar statements.
Social Media Reactions
Many individuals, particularly those from Generation Z, voiced their respect for Pakistan’s stand and its delivery. Someone on the internet commented, “Forget cricket and hockey, roasting should be our national sport,” in response to Pakistan’s humiliation of Israel before the United Nations Security Council.
Internet’s Take on the Incident
One user, talking about what just occurred to the Israeli delegation, remarked, “There’s beating someone up, there’s dragging someone and then beating them up, and then there’s dragging someone a good distance and beating them up after.” Ambassador Iftikhar, who was the focus of attention, was showered with praises and granted titles by the internet for his words.
Ongoing Situation in Gaza
While the UNSC agreed to rebuke Israel on Thursday for its assault on Qatar, progress on peace in Gaza remains elusive, as at least 64,368 Palestinians have been slain since October 2023 by the Israeli Defence Forces.
UNGA Resolution on Palestine
A resolution asking for an independent Palestinian state was passed at the UN General Assembly (UNGA) on Friday, with the US and Israel being two of 10 nations in opposition to the proposal. France and the United Kingdom are also predicted to recognize a Palestinian state at this session of the UNGA, which starts on September 9.
