By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s deputy prime minister and foreign minister on Friday condemned Israel’s approval of procedures to register large areas of the occupied West Bank as state property, describing the move as the latest sign of an “annexationist and expansionist mindset” that disregards international law and humanitarian norms.
Ishaq Dar, speaking at an extraordinary ministerial session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s executive committee, said the Israeli decision — the first of its kind since the territory’s occupation in 1967 — carried profound implications not only for Palestinians but for the credibility of international law, the U.N. Charter and the multilateral system itself. “These latest illegal measures taken by Israel to convert areas of the occupied West Bank into so-called state property” reflected an approach “bereft of any regard for international law or humanitarian norms,” Dar told the gathering in Jeddah.
The session was convened against the backdrop of sharp criticism from Muslim nations and several European countries, which have called the land-registration step a prelude to expanded settlement building and de facto annexation. Dar opened his address by noting Israel’s continued ceasefire violations, expansion of illegal settlements in the West Bank and attempts at annexation, all of which he said posed a direct threat to “any prospect for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.”
He recalled that in September 2025, on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly, leaders and foreign ministers from a group of eight Arab and Islamic countries — including Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Indonesia, Egypt and Türkiye — had met with President Donald Trump to press for an end to the bloodshed in Gaza, unimpeded humanitarian access, a permanent and sustainable ceasefire and a comprehensive peace process. “During these consultations, we, the group of eight, ensured that the non-annexation of the Occupied West Bank remained firmly on the agenda and assurances were given to us in New York that the annexation of West Bank would not take place,” Dar said.
Yet, he continued, “on the ground, Israel continues with brazen impunity to expand illegal settlements.” Such actions, Dar said, amount to violations of international law, the U.N. Charter and U.N. Security Council Resolution 2803, which endorsed Trump’s peace plan for Gaza. “These violations embolden further aggression, erode regional stability and trample the rights and dignity of Palestinians.”
Dar called on the international community to “act decisively” to halt the violations, uphold international law and ensure delivery of the assurances given last September. A joint statement issued by the group of eight, he noted, had already “clearly highlighted our shared concern on Israel’s continued violation of the ceasefire and attempts to impose unlawful sovereignty, expand settlements, and enforce a new legal and administrative reality in the occupied West Bank.”
Dar reiterated that Pakistan “remains fully engaged as part of the group of eight” to secure a permanent ceasefire, launch reconstruction of Gaza “with full Palestinian ownership” and establish “a credible, irreversible and time-bound political horizon” leading to an independent Palestinian state. “Pakistan remains at the forefront in advancing the Palestinian cause.”
Turning to the OIC membership, he urged collective action for “the immediate reversal of all Israeli measures aimed at the de facto annexation of the occupied Palestinian territory, including the occupied West Bank,” which he called “a red line for any just resolution of the issue of Palestine.” Dar also called for protection of holy sites, including the Al Aqsa Mosque, “an immediate end to displacement (of Palestinians) and demographic manipulation,” full implementation of U.N. Security Council Resolution 2803, and accountability for war crimes and violations of international humanitarian law.
Dar singled out recent remarks by U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee suggesting he would not oppose Israel taking control over large swaths of the Middle East. Such statements were “irresponsible, deeply concerning and condemnable,” he said. “At a time when initiatives such as the Board of Peace and the Comprehensive Plan to end the Gaza conflict seek to chart a credible political horizon, remarks of this nature directly contradict those objectives and weaken collective diplomatic efforts.”
Pakistan, he said, stands with its “brotherly Arab nations in defending their territorial integrity and will continue to oppose any attempt at legitimising occupation.” He drew a parallel to the situation in India-occupied Kashmir and called on the OIC to “step up its efforts for a just resolution” of that dispute as well. In closing, Dar stressed that the Palestinian people required “concrete measures to end their suffering and to secure liberation from Israeli occupation.” “Pakistan, along with its brotherly OIC countries, stands ready to rise to this challenge with unity, resolve and purpose.”
Dar arrived in Saudi Arabia on Thursday for the two-day visit. Pakistani officials said he would hold bilateral meetings with counterparts from other OIC member states on the sidelines of the gathering and make brief visits to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. Pakistan maintains a firm policy of non-recognition of Israel and supports the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. The West Bank, together with Gaza and East Jerusalem, constitutes the territory Palestinians seek for their future state. Much of the West Bank remains under Israeli military control, with limited self-rule in certain areas administered by the Western-backed Palestinian Authority. More than 500,000 Israelis live in settlements and outposts there, alongside nearly 3 million Palestinians.
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