ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Friday called on the international community to stop Israel from annexing the occupied West Bank, demanding a “political pathway” toward an independent Palestinian state.
Israel decided this month to approve land registration procedures in parts of the West Bank for the first time since 1967, drawing sharp criticism from Muslim nations along with several European countries, which described it as a move to ease the path for settlement expansion and annexation.
Speaking at an extraordinary ministerial session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said the development carries profound implications not only for the Palestinian people but also for the credibility of international law, United Nations charter and the integrity of the multilateral system.
“Israel continues with impunity to expand illegal settlements and enforce de facto annexation in the Occupied West Bank. These actions, flagrantly violate international law including UN Charter, UN Security Council Resolution 2803 [endorsing President Donald Trump’s peace plan for Gaza], undermine all diplomatic efforts and threaten the very foundation of a just and lasting peace,” Dar said.
