Jeddah (TDI): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has sharply criticized Israel for what he described as an expansionist approach that disregards international law, following recent Israeli steps in the occupied West Bank.
Speaking at a meeting of the Executive Committee of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Jeddah, Dar condemned Israel’s decision to designate large tracts of occupied West Bank land as so‑called “state property”. He noted that this move marked the first such action since Israel occupied the territory in 1967 and warned that it reflected a clear annexation agenda.
The foreign minister said Israel’s latest measures were illegal and demonstrated a mindset aimed at territorial expansion, one that showed little respect for international law or humanitarian principles. He cautioned that continued settlement expansion and annexation attempts were undermining any realistic chance of achieving a just and durable peace in the Middle East.
Dar recalled that during the September 2025 session of the United Nations General Assembly, leaders and foreign ministers from a group of eight Islamic countries, including Pakistan, held discussions with the US president to help stop the violence in Gaza, secure a lasting ceasefire, and move toward a comprehensive peace process. According to Dar, assurances were given at the time that the West Bank would not be annexed.
“Despite those commitments, developments on the ground tell a different story,” he said, pointing to the continued expansion of illegal settlements. He added that Israel’s actions violated international law, the UN Charter, and UN Security Council Resolution 2803, warning that such violations further destabilise the region and deny Palestinians their fundamental rights.
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Calling on the international community to take firm action, Dar urged world powers to ensure that earlier assurances were honoured and that Israel’s violations were brought to an end. He noted that a joint statement issued by eight Islamic countries had already expressed serious concern over Israel’s ceasefire violations and efforts to impose unlawful sovereignty in occupied Palestinian territory.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s position, Dar said Islamabad would remain actively engaged with partner countries to push for a permanent ceasefire, immediate reconstruction, and a clear, time‑bound political process leading to an independent Palestinian state.
He also stressed the need for the reversal of all Israeli steps amounting to de facto annexation, the protection of holy sites, including the Al Aqsa Mosque, and an immediate halt to forced displacement and demographic manipulation.
The foreign minister further called for full implementation of UNSC Resolution 2803, reconstruction of Gaza with full Palestinian ownership, and accountability for war crimes and violations of international humanitarian law.
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Referring to recent remarks by US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, who suggested he would not oppose Israel taking control over large parts of the region, Dar described such comments as irresponsible and deeply troubling. He said such statements contradicted ongoing diplomatic initiatives aimed at ending the Gaza conflict and weakened collective efforts toward peace.
Dar also reiterated Pakistan’s solidarity with Arab nations in safeguarding their territorial integrity and opposing any attempt to legitimise occupation. Drawing parallels with the situation in Indian‑occupied Kashmir, he urged the OIC to intensify efforts for a fair resolution of long‑standing disputes.
Concluding his remarks, the foreign minister said the Palestinian people required concrete actions, not just statements, to end their suffering and secure freedom from occupation. “Pakistan, together with its brotherly OIC nations, stands ready to move forward with unity, determination and purpose,” he said.
