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

Pakistan joined seven other Muslim nations in condemning Israel's settlement policies in the occupied Palestinian territory on Friday, according to a joint statement released by the Foreign Office. The foreign ministers of the eight countries, including Pakistan, Egypt, Turkiye, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, firmly rejected Israel's "continued illegal settlement policies in the Occupied Palestinian Territory" and the 'E1' settlement plan.

They also denounced the violent actions by settlers, backed by Israeli authorities, against Palestinians and their properties. The ministers emphasized that these actions violate international law, breach UN resolutions, and pose a significant threat to regional and international peace and security. They warned that the 'E1' plan would exacerbate settlement expansion and annexation, endangering the contiguity of the occupied Palestinian territory, specifically between the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

The ministers reaffirmed that the two-state solution, in line with international law and UN resolutions, remains the only feasible route to a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace. They cautioned that efforts to undermine this solution risk escalating tensions, jeopardizing regional and international peace, and obstructing the prospects for enduring peace and stability.

They supported all endeavors aiming to hold accountable those responsible for illegal settlement activities and those aiding, facilitating, or implementing policies of settlement expansion and annexation. They also urged an immediate halt to the 'E1' plan, the withdrawal of all related measures, and a cessation of settlement activities and actions that alter the territorial and demographic composition of the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

They called on the UN Security Council, all states, and international actors to fulfill their duties under international law, halt illegal settlement expansion, protect the Palestinian people, safeguard their inalienable rights, including self-determination, and realize their independent state, as per international law and relevant UN resolutions.

On Sunday, Pakistan, along with six other Muslim states, condemned Israel's rejection of the road map for concluding the implementation of US President Donald Trump's comprehensive plan to end the Gaza conflict. The foreign ministers of these countries denounced Israel's rejection of the road map, endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution 2803, and their refusal to acknowledge Palestinian statehood.