Another Muslim country calls for action against Israel

Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif called on Muslim countries to unite against Israel after signing a trilateral defense agreement with Saudi Arabia and Turkey in Mecca. The agreement provides for mutual defense, but specific commitments are not disclosed. Asif previously called Israel "evil and a curse." Pakistan does not recognize Israel.

Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif called on Muslim countries to unite against Israel following the signing of a trilateral defense agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey in Mecca. The agreement, named the "Mecca Agreement on Mutual Defense," stipulates that an armed attack on one party will be considered an attack on all. Asif stated that the three countries "gave the Muslim nation a platform" and emphasized that the agreement is open to other states joining. He also called the treaty "the beginning of unity of the Islamic world." The official statement does not specify concrete military commitments, but notes concern over regional military policies, including actions by Israel and Iran. Asif is known for harsh remarks against Israel: in April, he called Israel "evil and a curse for humanity" and a "cancerous state." Pakistan does not recognize Israel and supports the establishment of a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. The agreement brings together Pakistan—the only Muslim country with nuclear weapons—Turkey, a NATO member, and Saudi Arabia.