DOHA: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday called on Muslim countries to unite against Israel’s “provocative acts” as he arrived in Qatar to meet Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani following Israeli air strikes on Doha earlier this week.
Terming the strikes “a clear violation of Qatar’s sovereignty,” the prime minister expressed solidarity with the government and people of the Gulf state. “Pakistan stands firmly with Qatar at this critical time,” he said during talks with the emir.
The meeting came ahead of an extraordinary Arab-Islamic summit — jointly convened by the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) — scheduled for Sept 15 in Doha to deliberate on the situation.
Israel’s air raids on Tuesday, which it said targeted Hamas leadership, drew widespread condemnation. Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani told CNN on Wednesday that Doha was in consultations with regional partners on an appropriate response.
French President Emmanuel Macron also condemned the strikes, describing them as “unacceptable” and reaffirming his country’s commitment to Qatar’s sovereignty and security, while stressing the urgency of a two-state solution.
Read More: Sakinah Art Exhibition brings serenity and reflection to Dubai
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said Pakistan, Algeria and Somalia had jointly requested an emergency session of the UN Security Council to discuss the matter.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz and the Qatari emir agreed to strengthen bilateral ties, promote regional peace, and continue supporting the Palestinian cause. Mr Shehbaz had earlier warned that the Israeli strikes represented a “most dangerous provocation” with potential to imperil regional stability.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, threatened further action, insisting on his government’s opposition to progress on a two-state solution while pursuing what he described as “Greater Israel” policies.
