Pakistan says US owes apology for Gaza ceasefire veto

Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Asim Iftikhar, in his address to the Security Council, reaffirmed that Pakistan is not only pressing for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza but will also persist in its diplomatic efforts until the creation of an independent Palestinian state becomes a reality.

He voiced deep alarm over the worsening bloodshed and humanitarian catastrophe, stressing that unarmed Palestinians are being killed daily, children are dying of starvation, and even hospitals are being reduced to rubble under Israeli bombardment.

Calling the assault intolerable and a blatant breach of international humanitarian law, Iftikhar warned the Council that if the global conscience remains silent in the face of such atrocities, history will not forgive.

He said that Pakistan will raise voice for Palestinians at every forum, adding that the ultimate goal remains an independent, sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.

Statement by Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN,
At the UNSC Meeting on the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question
(The E10 Draft Resolution on the Humanitarian Situation in Gaza)
(18 September 2025)
*******

Mr. President,

On… pic.twitter.com/H6zB7GjySo

— Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the UN (@PakistanUN_NY) September 18, 2025

The envoy’s remarks came shortly after 10 non-permanent members of the Council, including Pakistan, introduced a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian aid to Gaza.

The United States vetoed the move, a decision Pakistan described as “dangerous message,” which implies that "the lives of two million besieged Palestinians are deemed expendable and can be subordinated to political considerations."

Read more: Outrage as US vetoes UNSC resolution on Gaza ceasefire for sixth time

In his statement, Iftikhar argued that the veto had shielded Israel’s assault. “What prevented the Council from acting was the exercise of the veto. That carries a heavy responsibility. And that is where the apology must lie,” he said.

He added that in moments of immense human suffering, blocking the Council from fulfilling its mandate risks being seen as enabling the continuation of that suffering.