Mirziyoyev condemns Israel’s crimes in the Middle East

Uzbekistan has not turned a blind eye to Israel’s crimes in the Middle East. On the contrary, among the Central Asian states, it is Tashkent that has voiced the sharpest condemnations of Israel’s violations of international law. In particular, Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs was the first to react to Israel’s unlawful actions in Doha on September 9, declaring that such conduct was unacceptable.

All Central Asian countries condemned the attack. Kazakhstan was the first to respond at the presidential level. Later, on September 12, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev personally held a telephone conversation with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, during which he strongly denounced the missile strikes carried out by Israel on the Qatari capital, Doha.

During the conversation, it was noted that such unacceptable actions, which undermine Qatar’s independence and sovereignty and threaten its security, run counter to the UN Charter as well as the fundamental rules and principles of international law. Uzbekistan reaffirmed its opposition to any use of force in international relations and to steps that could further escalate tensions in the Middle East. President Mirziyoyev wished success for the extraordinary Arab-Islamic summit being convened at Qatar’s initiative. In turn, the Emir of Qatar expressed deep gratitude to the Uzbek leader for his solidarity and support.

At this point, it is worth noting that Uzbekistan has consistently expressed rhetorical opposition to Israel’s aggressive policies over the years. Among the Central Asian states, Uzbekistan stands out with its active stance on the Palestinian issue. Official Tashkent not only condemns Tel Aviv’s violations of international law but also extends practical assistance to Palestinians suffering from Israeli actions. This includes bringing hundreds of Palestinians to Uzbekistan, providing gratuitous financial aid, and offering other forms of support.

At a time when much of the world’s population is suffering from the aggressive policies of occupying states, Tashkent has managed to preserve, at least in part, its historic reputation as the ’’city of bread.’’ In recent years, Uzbekistan has extended assistance not only to Palestinians but also on several occasions to Ukrainian children.

Today, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev stands out as one of the world leaders who speaks most frequently about the plight and suffering of the Palestinian people. At virtually every international forum, regardless of whether the agenda is economic or political, his statements consistently include references to the situation in Gaza and the Palestinian right to establish a sovereign state. At the same time, Uzbekistan has not limited itself to condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza alone but has also firmly denounced its attacks on other states, including those against Iran and Qatar.