Yemeni journalist Luai Ahmed has criticised Islamist-led governments in the Middle East, arguing that authoritarian rule, rather than Israel or Jewish people, is a major source of the region’s problems.

Ahmed made the remarks while addressing the United Nations Human Rights Council in a statement organised by UN Watch, a non-governmental organisation that monitors the United Nations.

Speaking during the session, Ahmed challenged representatives of several Middle Eastern countries over their positions on human rights, religious freedom and democratic governance.

He questioned the governments of Iran, Qatar, Syria and Pakistan, as well as the Palestinian Authority, over what he described as inconsistencies between their public statements on human rights and their domestic policies.

Addressing Iran, Ahmed questioned the country’s response to protests and its treatment of demonstrators demanding freedom.

He also challenged Qatar over its relationship with Hamas, questioned Syria’s treatment of religious minorities and criticised Pakistan over a case involving a Christian woman sentenced to death over an alleged blasphemous message.

Turning to Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, Ahmed questioned the country’s democratic credentials, pointing to Abbas’s prolonged stay in office beyond his original presidential term.

Ahmed argued that the governments he criticised should be held accountable for their domestic policies rather than shifting attention towards Israel.

Drawing on his experience growing up in Yemen, he said political and religious leaders in parts of the Arab world had encouraged people to blame Israel and Jewish people for problems that also stemmed from authoritarian governance.

“Our problem in the Middle East is neither Israel nor the Jews. It is the Islamist dictatorships,” Ahmed said.

His remarks came amid continuing international disagreements over Israel’s conduct in Gaza, the rights of Palestinians and the wider conflict in the Middle East.

The statement also highlighted longstanding debates about human rights, political accountability, religious freedom and the treatment of minorities across the region.

Ahmed’s address was delivered through UN Watch, which has repeatedly criticised what it considers disproportionate scrutiny of Israel at United Nations human rights forums.

The appearance offered a contrasting perspective to criticism of Israel at the council, with Ahmed urging greater attention to the conduct of governments within the region.