JEDDAH (MNN); Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Friday strongly criticised Israel’s recent move to designate large parts of the occupied West Bank as “state property”, describing it as evidence of an expansionist mindset that disregards international law.
He made the remarks while addressing a meeting of the executive committee of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The session was convened after the Israeli government approved a proposal to formally register extensive areas of the occupied West Bank as state property for the first time since 1967.
In his address, Dar termed the latest Israeli steps illegal and reflective of an annexation-driven policy lacking respect for international law and humanitarian norms. He said continued ceasefire violations, expansion of settlements and annexation attempts were undermining prospects for a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.
Referring to diplomatic engagements at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025, Dar recalled that leaders and foreign ministers from eight Islamic countries, including Pakistan, had engaged with the US president to push for an end to bloodshed in Gaza and secure a permanent ceasefire. He said assurances were given at the time that annexation of the West Bank would not take place, but developments on the ground contradicted those commitments.
The foreign minister asserted that Israel’s actions violated international law, the UN Charter and relevant Security Council resolutions, warning that such steps embolden aggression and destabilise the region.
He urged the international community to act decisively to halt the violations and ensure implementation of previous assurances. Dar reiterated that Pakistan remained committed, alongside other Islamic countries, to achieving a permanent ceasefire, initiating Gaza’s reconstruction and advancing a credible political pathway towards an independent Palestinian state.
Calling for collective action within the OIC, he demanded the immediate reversal of Israeli measures aimed at the de facto annexation of occupied Palestinian territory, including the West Bank. He also stressed the protection of holy sites, including Al Aqsa Mosque, and called for an end to displacement and demographic changes affecting Palestinians.
Dar further emphasised the need for reconstruction and recovery of Gaza with full Palestinian ownership, as well as accountability for alleged war crimes and violations of international humanitarian law.
Commenting on remarks attributed to US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, he described such statements as irresponsible and counterproductive to diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the Gaza conflict.
The foreign minister affirmed that Pakistan stood with Arab nations in defending their territorial integrity and would oppose any attempt to legitimise occupation. Drawing parallels with India-occupied Kashmir, he called on the OIC to intensify efforts for a just resolution of that dispute as well.
Dar concluded by reaffirming Pakistan’s support for the Palestinian cause, stating that concrete measures were needed to end the suffering of Palestinians and secure their liberation from occupation.
Earlier this week, the OIC, along with Pakistan, the Arab League and several Muslim and European countries, jointly condemned what they described as attempts at unacceptable de facto annexation of Palestinian land.
Dar arrived in Saudi Arabia on a two-day visit and is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with counterparts from OIC member states on the sidelines of the ministerial gathering.
