Asim Iftikhar says nearly 20 percent of Lebanon is now under illegal Israeli occupation
Permanent Representative of Pakistan to UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar speaks at the UN Security Council’s emergency meeting about the latest situation in Lebanon. PHOTO: X
Pakistan on Tuesday expressed serious concern over the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in Lebanon and warned that ongoing Israeli military operations are causing mass civilian suffering and undermining peace efforts, according to a statement delivered at an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council on the latest situation in Lebanon.
Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad said he “along with colleagues also thanked ASC Martha Phobi for a comprehensive but deeply alarming briefing”.
He told the council that despite ceasefire arrangements and direct negotiations, “the security and humanitarian situation in Lebanon continues to deteriorate drastically with the expansion of Israeli military operations and incursions into Lebanese territory”.
Statement by Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad,
Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations,
At the UN Security Council’s emergency meeting on the latest situation in Lebanon
(June 1, 2026)
********Thank you, Madam President.
Together with my colleagues, I would also like to thank ASC… pic.twitter.com/j4Pp3vAvAt
— Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the United Nations (@PakistanUN_NY) June 2, 2026
He further stated that “two thousand square kilometers, nearly 20 percent of Lebanon, are now under illegal Israeli occupation,” adding that “illegal evacuation orders are further inflicting enormous suffering on civilians.”
According to Iftikhar, “it seems to be the same strategy, the same playbook that we have seen elsewhere: indiscriminate killing, forced displacement and occupation”.
The ambassador told the Council that since March, “more than 3,400 people, including women and children, have been killed and over 10,000 injured,” while “more than a million have been displaced.” He cited UN humanitarian assessments that say civilians are facing “an appalling escalation of violence, displacement and human loss”.
He also raised the alarm over attacks on aid workers, noting “125 health workers killed and over 300 injured since March, according to WHO”.
Pakistan condemned further attacks on heritage sites, saying that “Three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, under increased protection, have been hit along with the capture of Beaufort Castle”.
Read: Ceasefire in tatters as Israeli troops push deeper into Lebanon
Iftikhar said that “all these reckless Israeli actions, reprehensible as they are and which violate Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, constitute a flagrant violation of international law,” adding that they “seriously undermine diplomatic efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability in Lebanon and the region.”
Reaffirming Pakistan’s diplomatic stance, he said: “Pakistan supports all diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation and reiterates the Secretary-General’s call on all sides to make full use of diplomatic channels and commit to the full implementation of Resolution 1701”.
He stressed that “sustainable peace can only be achieved through dialogue and diplomacy”, while also welcoming “US efforts to facilitate the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel”.
Pakistan also praised Lebanon’s internal efforts, noting “the efforts of the Government of Lebanon to restore stability, strengthen state authority and ensure that the use of force remains the exclusive prerogative of the Lebanese state through its legitimate institutions, in which the Lebanese Armed Forces play a central role”.
However, he warned that “Israeli actions undermine the efforts of the Lebanese government”.
Concluding Pakistan’s position, Ambassador Iftikhar stated, “We call for full respect for Lebanon’s sovereignty, political independence, unity and territorial integrity,” along with “immediate cessation of hostilities and strict adherence to the ceasefire arrangements by all sides.”
He further demanded “full implementation of Resolution 1701, with complete Israeli withdrawal to the Blue Line”.
He added that “a stable and peaceful Lebanon is essential for regional peace and security,” and called on the international community to act “quickly to prevent further escalation and promote a diplomatic solution in accordance with international law and the UN Charter.”
Pakistan reaffirmed its solidarity, stating that it “stands in solidarity with the people and government of Lebanon and will continue to support all efforts to promote peace, stability and hope in the region”.
Israeli troops seized the historic Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon and established control over its strategic ridge on Monday, marking a significant escalation of military operations against the country despite an internationally brokered ceasefire that has struggled to hold for more than six weeks.
The escalation follows one of the heaviest days of Hezbollah rocket and drone fire into northern Israel since the April ceasefire, which had briefly reduced the intensity of the conflict but never fully halted hostilities. Israel reported school closures and civilian restrictions following renewed attacks from southern Lebanon.
The wider conflict has already caused serious humanitarian consequences. Lebanese officials estimate more than 3,370 deaths since hostilities intensified in March, while over 1.2 million people have been displaced by Israeli strikes and evacuation orders. On the Israeli side, authorities report 24 soldiers and four civilians killed, along with tens of thousands of residents displaced from northern communities.
Hezbollah has continued to deploy low-explosive drones and rockets targeting Israeli positions, with the Israeli military acknowledging ongoing engagements along the border despite ceasefire arrangements.
