Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Sunday strongly condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s statement suggesting that the Palestinian people should establish a state in Saudi Arabia, calling the remarks “irresponsible, provocative, and thoughtless.”
In a statement issued by the Foreign Office, FM Dar denounced the Israeli position, saying, “This remark is not only deeply offensive but also undermines and disregards the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination and an independent state on their own historical and legitimate territory.”
He reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for Saudi Arabia, praising its firm commitment to the Palestinian cause. “Any attempt to undermine Saudi Arabia’s steadfast position or misrepresent its commitment to Palestine is deeply regrettable,” the statement added.
Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s position that the Palestinian people have the “inalienable right to establish an independent and sovereign state based on the pre-1967 borders, with Al Quds Al Sharif as its capital.” He further warned that “any proposal seeking to displace or relocate the Palestinian people from their ancestral homeland is unacceptable and a blatant violation of international law, United Nations resolutions, and principles of justice and fairness.”
The Foreign Office urged the international community to “denounce this provocative remark and hold Israel accountable for its continued attempts to undermine the peace process.”
Pakistan-Turkey Discuss Palestinian Crisis
Separately, FM Dar discussed the evolving situation in Gaza with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. In a telephonic conversation, Dar expressed Pakistan’s deep concern over proposals suggesting the displacement of Palestinians.
The two ministers agreed to support the convening of an extraordinary Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) ministerial meeting to address the ongoing crisis.
Saudi Arabia, Arab States Reject Netanyahu’s Remarks
Saudi Arabia also categorically rejected Netanyahu’s comments, affirming its uncompromising stance on Palestinian statehood. While the Saudi Foreign Ministry’s statement did not directly reference the Israeli leader’s remarks on relocating Palestinians to Saudi territory, it strongly condemned any such notions.
Neighboring Arab nations, including Egypt and Jordan, also denounced Netanyahu’s statement, with Cairo calling it a “direct infringement on Saudi sovereignty.”
GCC Condemns Netanyahu’s Statement
The six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) also strongly condemned Netanyahu’s remarks, with GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi stating, “These dangerous and irresponsible statements confirm the Israeli occupation’s disregard for international laws and treaties, as well as the sovereignty of nations.”
He reaffirmed the GCC’s “firm and steadfast support for the Palestinian people in obtaining their legitimate rights” and praised Saudi Arabia’s “significant and valuable efforts in regional and international forums to support the Palestinian cause.”
The GCC chief also urged the international community to take “serious and decisive action against these aggressive Israeli statements, which threaten the security and stability of the region and the world at large.”
Global Outrage Over Trump’s ‘Gaza Relocation’ Plan
Netanyahu’s remarks come amid renewed global outrage over a proposal by former US President Donald Trump, who suggested that the US should “take over the Gaza Strip” from Israel and create a “Riviera of the Middle East” after resettling Palestinians elsewhere.
Saudi Arabia has rebuffed Trump’s suggestion, reiterating that it would not normalize ties with Israel without the creation of an independent Palestinian state.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has led to immense humanitarian suffering. Gaza authorities report that Israeli bombardment has killed more than 47,000 Palestinians, while Israeli tallies state that Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack resulted in 1,200 Israeli deaths and over 250 hostages.
Pakistan continues to stand firm in its support for Palestine, emphasizing the urgent need for a just, comprehensive, and lasting resolution to the Palestinian crisis.
