WEB DESK: The foreign ministers of eight Islamic nations, including Pakistan, have expressed strong condemnation of Israel’s recent decision to designate land in the occupied West Bank as “state land.”
In a joint statement released on Tuesday, the ministers described this action as a blatant violation of international law and a severe escalation that jeopardizes the possibility of achieving a two-state solution.
The statement was collectively issued by the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. It rejected Israel’s designation of occupied West Bank land as “state land” and denounced the authorization of procedures for land registration and settlement, marking a significant development not seen since 1967.
Significant escalation and unlawful land seizure.
The ministers criticized Israel’s move as a provocative escalation intended to accelerate illegal settlement expansion and land appropriation. They accused Israel of seeking to solidify its control, impose unauthorized sovereignty over Palestinian territories, and infringe on the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.
They characterized the decision as part of broader efforts toward illicit settlement growth and systematic land seizure.
Breach of international law and UN resolutions.
The joint statement emphasized that these measures represent a blatant breach of international law and humanitarian principles, particularly the Fourth Geneva Convention. The ministers also highlighted that Israel’s actions are in direct violation of multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions, including Resolution 2334.
Furthermore, they underscored that the move contradicts an advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice, which reaffirmed the illegality of altering the legal, historical, or demographic character of the occupied Palestinian Territory and reinforced the principle barring territorial acquisition by force.
Undermining the two-state solution.
The foreign ministers warned that Israel’s actions appear to be aimed at creating new legal and administrative realities to cement its control over occupied territories. Such unilateral steps, they cautioned, undermine the feasibility of a two-state solution, prevent the establishment of a viable and independent Palestinian state, and endanger efforts to achieve a fair and comprehensive regional peace.
They further argued that these measures exacerbate tensions and threaten security throughout the occupied Palestinian Territory and surrounding regions.
Appeal for global intervention.
The joint statement urged the international community to take urgent and decisive action to address Israel’s violations. It called for stricter adherence to international law and greater efforts to protect the fundamental rights of Palestinians, particularly their right to self-determination and freedom from occupation.
Reiterating their unified stance, the ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
A spokesperson for Pakistan’s Foreign Office confirmed the issuance of the joint statement, reiterating Pakistan’s unequivocal opposition to any unilateral moves aimed at altering the legal, demographic, or historical status of the occupied Palestinian Territory.
