Pakistan, seven Muslim states reject Israeli settlements

Pakistan and seven other Muslim-majority countries have jointly condemned Israel’s continued settlement

Pakistan and seven other Muslim-majority countries have jointly condemned Israel’s continued settlement expansion in the occupied Palestinian territory, warning that the policies threaten regional stability and undermine prospects for an independent Palestinian state.

The foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Türkiye, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates issued the joint statement on Friday. They strongly rejected Israel’s settlement activities, particularly the proposed E1 settlement plan near occupied East Jerusalem.

The ministers said the settlement policy violates international law and relevant United Nations resolutions. They also criticised violence allegedly committed by Israeli settlers against Palestinians and their property, saying such actions cannot weaken or remove the Palestinian people’s rights.

The statement described the E1 plan as a serious escalation because it could expand Israeli settlements and advance annexation in the occupied territory. The ministers warned that the plan could disrupt the territorial connection between the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

According to the eight countries, such developments could further weaken the possibility of establishing a geographically connected Palestinian state along the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The ministers also warned that continued settlement expansion could damage international diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict. They referred to US President Donald Trump’s comprehensive peace plan and its stated opposition to annexation and forced displacement.

The eight countries reaffirmed their support for a two-state solution, saying it remains the most viable route towards a lasting and comprehensive peace. They warned that actions undermining the establishment of a Palestinian state could increase tensions and pose wider threats to regional and international security.

The foreign ministers also backed international efforts to hold those responsible for illegal settlement activities accountable. They called for appropriate international measures against individuals and entities involved in establishing, expanding or supporting settlements.

The statement further urged countries and organisations to stop providing financial or other forms of support that contribute to the expansion of Israeli settlements.

The ministers called for immediate steps to halt the E1 plan and reverse measures connected with it. They also demanded an end to settlement construction and other actions that could change the demographic and geographical character of the occupied Palestinian territory.

They urged the UN Security Council and the international community to take effective measures to protect Palestinians and uphold their right to self-determination.

The latest statement follows another joint position by the same eight countries earlier this week. They had criticised Israel’s rejection of a roadmap linked to Trump’s plan for ending the Gaza conflict and reaffirmed their support for Palestinian statehood