Government of Pakistan and Others Condemn Israeli Expansionist Claims
The Foreign Ministers of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, along with representatives from Egypt, Jordan, UAE, Indonesia, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine, together with secretariats of key regional organizations such as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the League of Arab States (LAS), and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), have issued a joint statement expressing strong condemnation of recent remarks by the United States Ambassador to Israel. The ambassador had suggested that it would be acceptable for Israel to exercise control over territories belonging to Arab states, including the occupied West Bank.
In their unequivocal response, these countries categorically reject such dangerous and inflammatory statements as fundamentally incompatible with international law and the principles outlined in the UN Charter. These remarks directly contradict the comprehensive plan proposed by U.S. President Donald J. Trump and his vision for ending the conflict in Gaza, both of which are centered on containment and a peaceful resolution leading to an independent Palestinian state.
The ministers emphasized that these comments threaten the security and stability of the region and undermine efforts towards peace. They reiterated their firm stance against any attempts to annex or separate the West Bank from the Gaza Strip, as well as their staunch opposition to settlement activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Furthermore, they condemned any threat to Arab state sovereignty.
The ministers warned that continued Israeli expansionism will only exacerbate violence and conflict in the region, which is at the core of their collective commitment to peace. They underscored their countries’ steadfast support for the Palestinians’ right to self-determination and an independent state, as per the lines of June 4, 1967, encompassing all Arab lands.
On February 22, 2026 in Islamabad, the foreign ministers reaffirmed these positions with unwavering commitment, stressing that only a peaceful and comprehensive resolution can lead to lasting stability and peace.