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Islamabad: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister addressed the Extraordinary Open-Ended Ministerial Session of the OIC Executive Committee convened in Jeddah on February 26, urging decisive collective action against Israel’s illegal measures in the Occupied West Bank.
At the high-level session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Pakistan expressed appreciation to the Republic of The Gambia, the Republic of Türkiye, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Palestine for convening the timely meeting to address accelerating settlement expansion, annexation attempts and the imposition of unlawful sovereignty in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
The Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister emphasized that the Palestinian cause remains central to the Muslim Ummah and warned that ongoing developments pose serious implications for international law, the UN Charter and the credibility of the multilateral system. While diplomatic efforts continue to consolidate the Gaza ceasefire under United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803 and advance the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, Israel’s continued violations, illegal settlements and annexation attempts risk undermining prospects for a just and lasting peace.
Recalling consultations held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in September 2025 between leaders of the Group of Eight Arab-Islamic countries and the President of the United States, Pakistan noted that assurances had been given regarding non-annexation of the West Bank. However, developments on the ground, including expansion of settlements and measures to alter the legal and administrative character of the Occupied West Bank, were described as blatant violations of international law.
Pakistan strongly condemned Israel’s recent steps to declare areas of the Occupied West Bank as “state property,” calling them reflective of an annexationist mindset in disregard of international humanitarian norms. It called for the immediate reversal of all such measures, strict adherence to the Gaza ceasefire, protection of the historic and legal status of holy sites including Al-Aqsa Mosque, an end to displacement and demographic manipulation, accountability for violations of international law, and a credible, time-bound pathway toward the establishment of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine based on the 1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
As an elected member of the UN Security Council, Pakistan reaffirmed that it would continue to advocate for the Palestinian cause at the UN and other multilateral forums. The Foreign Minister also highlighted Pakistan’s participation, alongside other Arab-Islamic states, in the Board of Peace initiative endorsed by UNSC Resolution 2803. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif attended the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace in Washington, reiterating Pakistan’s principled stance on Palestine.
Pakistan further condemned recent remarks attributed to the United States Ambassador to Israel suggesting acceptance of Israeli control over Arab territories, terming such statements irresponsible and inconsistent with international law.
Drawing attention to parallels between the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan called for renewed OIC efforts toward a just resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute.
Reaffirming unwavering support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination, Pakistan pledged to continue working with OIC member states and international partners to secure a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East.
