Pakistan's Khawaja Asif calls Israel a ‘curse for humanity’, Tel Aviv hits back: ‘Outrageous’
Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel will continue military actions against Hezbollah until safety is restored, despite over 300 casualties in Lebanon from recent strikes.
Israel strongly condemned what it called “outrageous” comments by Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, questioning Pakistan’s credibility as a “neutral mediator.”
"Pakistan Defence Minister's call for Israel's annihilation is outrageous," the Israeli Prime Minister's Office said in a post on X. "This is not a statement that can be tolerated from any government, especially not from one that claims to be a neutral arbiter for peace," the PMO said Thursday evening.
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Pakistan has been credited with mediating a temporary two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran and is preparing to host peace talks over the weekend.
What did Asif say?
Asif, in a social media post, called Israel "evil" and a "curse for humanity", giving a call “to get rid of European Jews.”
Asif also claimed that even as "peace talks are underway in Islamabad, genocide is being committed in Lebanon".
"Innocent citizens are being killed by Israel, first Gaza, then Iran and now Lebanon, bloodletting continues unabated," Asif said.
"I hope and pray that the people who created this cancerous state on Palestinian land to get rid of European Jews [sic] burn in hell," he added.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar also condemned Asif's comments, saying, "These blatant antisemitic blood libels from a government claiming to mediate peace."
"Israel will defend itself against terrorists who vow its destruction," Sa'ar said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approves talks with Lebanon after Israeli strikes imperil the Iran ceasefire. Sa'ar rebuked Pakistan over its Defence Minister's statement, calling the Jewish state “cancerous,” which he said is "calling for Israel's annihilation."
"Israel views very gravely these blatant antisemitic blood libels from a government claiming to "mediate peace". Calling the Jewish state "cancerous" is effectively calling for its annihilation, Sa'ar said.
Benjamin Netanyahu authorises direct talks with Lebanon
In what could strengthen efforts toward a Middle East ceasefire, Netanyahu announced on Thursday that he has approved direct talks with Lebanon to begin “as soon as possible.” The discussions would focus on disarming Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran, and potentially building relations between the two countries.
Although Israel and Lebanon have officially remained in a state of war since 1948, Netanyahu clarified that no ceasefire currently exists. In a video statement, he emphasised that Israel will continue its military strikes against Hezbollah until safety is fully restored in northern Israel.
Lebanon’s health ministry said more than 300 people were killed and more than 1,100 wounded on Wednesday by Israeli strikes on central Beirut and other areas of Lebanon that Israel said targeted Hezbollah, which joined the war in support of Tehran.
(With inputs from agencies)
About the Author
Mausam Jha is a journalist who focuses on world affairs and politics. She provides clear, informative reporting with a good understanding of both global events and their local impact. <br><br> Her clear, accessible reporting on political and international issues makes her a trusted source of news and analysis. <br><br> For the past three years, Mausam has worked with Mint, covering national politics, IR—including elections—and global affairs.<br> Before joining her current role, she gained experience working with The Statesman, ANI, and Financial Express, where she honed her skills in political and international news. <br><br> She has consistently tracked key electoral battles, including US elections, Japan elections, policy debates, and strategic affairs, explaining how global currents, from great power competition to regional conflicts <br><br> Beyond journalism, Mausam has a deep engagement with international relations, diplomacy, war studies, terrorism, political history, and political theory. She is particularly interested in the intersection of statecraft and society on how governance, ideology, and institutions shape lived realities, and how politics shape today's world order. <br><br> An avid reader of classical literature and political thought, she constantly explores the connections between historical ideas and contemporary policy challenges.
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