Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar expressed strong condemnation of Israel’s recent actions in the occupied West Bank, where the Israeli government has begun to declare large areas as “state property.” Speaking at a meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) executive committee in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Dar criticized what he characterized as Israel’s “expansionist mindset,” which he argued disregards international law.
Dar’s remarks came following Israel’s approval of measures that mark the first time since 1967 that parts of the occupied territory have been designated as state property. He stressed that these actions are indicative of an annexation and expansionist strategy that undermines the potential for peace in the region. He highlighted ongoing ceasefire violations and the continuous expansion of illegal settlements by Israel as a serious threat to a just resolution to the conflict.
During his address, Dar recalled a September 2025 meeting at the UN General Assembly, where leaders, including representatives from eight Islamic countries—Pakistan among them—engaged with the U.S. president to secure a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza. Despite assurances received then, Dar pointed out that Israel continues to expand its settlements and violate international laws, including the UN Charter and Security Council Resolution 2803.
Dar called on the global community to take decisive action to stop Israel’s ongoing violations. He reiterated a joint statement made with other Islamic nations, which underscored shared concerns regarding the unlawful expansion of Israeli sovereignty and its attempts to reshape the legal landscape in occupied territories.
Emphasizing the need for collective action, Dar affirmed Pakistan’s commitment to standing with its OIC partners in the Palestinian cause. He insisted on an immediate reversal of all measures that seek to annex Palestinian territory, protection of sacred sites like the Al Aqsa Mosque, and an end to the displacement of Palestinians.
Furthermore, he called for full Palestinian ownership of Gaza’s reconstruction and emphasized the need for accountability regarding war crimes and humanitarian law violations. Dar condemned recent statements by the U.S. ambassador to Israel, which suggested an acceptance of Israeli territorial expansions, labeling them as irresponsible and contradictory to peace initiatives aimed at resolving the Gaza conflict.
Highlighting the parallels between the Palestinian plight and the situation in India-occupied Kashmir, Dar urged the OIC to intensify efforts toward achieving just resolutions in both matters. In closing, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to support the Palestinian cause, advocating for meaningful measures to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people and to promote their liberation from Israeli occupation.
Dar’s visit, which includes discussions with counterparts from OIC member states and brief visits to the Holy Cities, underscores a unified stance among Islamic nations in addressing the ongoing conflicts faced by Palestinians. This meeting signals a reinforced commitment to collaborative advocacy for Palestinian rights and sovereignty.