ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Friday warned Israel is planning to entrench its occupation of Palestinian territories in complete disregard of international law and global efforts to bring peace to the Middle East, citing recent statements by Israeli leaders indicating expansionist ambitions.
Earlier this month, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told a media outlet he felt a “deep connection” to the vision of a “Greater Israel,” referencing his country’s rule not only over the occupied Palestinian territories but also parts of Egypt, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon.
Separately, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said Israeli government would expand settlement construction in the occupied West Bank to “bury the idea of a Palestinian state.”
Addressing a weekly media briefing in Islamabad, foreign office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan condemned the remarks, calling them a violation of international law and an attempt to forcibly displace Palestinians.
“Such statements reflect the occupying power’s intention to entrench its illegal occupation, as well as its complete contempt for all international efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace and stability in the region,” Khan said.
