Pakistan, seven other Muslim states condemn Israel’s illegal settlement policies in occupied Palestinian territory

Pakistan, alongside Egypt, Turkiye, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, has issued a strong condemnation of Israel's ongoing settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory. The joint statement, released by Pakistan's Foreign Office, unequivocally denounces Israel's "continued illegal settlement policies" and categorically rejects the controversial 'E1' settlement plan.

“

unequivocally condemn Israel’s continued illegal settlement policies in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and categorically reject the ‘E1’ settlement plan and related settlement activities east of occupied East Jerusalem

The foreign ministers highlighted their condemnation of the "violations and acts of violence perpetrated by settlers, with the support of the Israeli occupying authorities, against the Palestinian people and their property." They stressed that such actions undermine the inalienable rights of Palestinians, violate international law and UN resolutions, and pose a significant threat to regional and international peace and security.

“

violations and acts of violence perpetrated by settlers, with the support of the Israeli occupying authorities, against the Palestinian people and their property

Expressing grave concern, the ministers warned that the 'E1' settlement plan represents a "dangerous escalation" that advances settlement expansion and annexation. They argued that this plan threatens the geographical contiguity of the occupied Palestinian territory, particularly the connection between the West Bank and East Jerusalem. This, they stated, jeopardizes the realization of an independent and contiguous Palestinian state based on the 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

“

The ministers warned that the ‘E1’ settlement plan constitutes a dangerous escalation that further advances settlement expansion and annexation and undermines the geographical contiguity of the occupied Palestinian territory, particularly between the West Bank and East Jerusalem, thereby threatening the viability and realisation of an independent, contiguous Palestinian state based on the 1967 lines with East Jerusalem as its capital

The statement emphasized that these Israeli actions directly challenge international peace efforts, including those previously supported by former US President Donald Trump. The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the two-state solution as the only viable path to a just and lasting peace, warning that undermining this solution risks further escalating tensions and jeopardizing stability in the region. They also called for accountability, including potential international measures and sanctions against those responsible for illegal settlement activities.

“

The ministers stressed that such acts in no way diminish the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, constitute violations of international law and relevant United Nations resolutions, and pose a serious threat to regional and international peace and security