Muslim countries, including Pakistan, renew call to stop Israeli escalation in occupied West Bank

Pakistan and seven other Muslim states on Monday reiterated an urgent appeal to the international community to fulfill its legal and moral obligations and take effective actions to halt escalating Israeli measures in the occupied West Bank.

In a joint statement issued by the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, the participating states strongly reaffirmed that Israel’s attempted annexation and unilateral actions in the occupied Palestinian territories are null and void under international law and violate relevant United Nations resolutions.

The statement condemned inflammatory rhetoric from Israeli officials, saying such language further fuels instability and tensions in the occupied West Bank and undermines prospects for peace. It warned that continued escalation poses a serious threat to regional stability and erodes efforts toward a just and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue.

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The foreign ministers emphasised the need for the international community to move beyond expressions of concern to take concrete measures that ensure accountability and protection for civilians living under occupation. They also reiterated support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and called for respect for international law, including obligations to protect civilians in conflict and occupied areas.

The joint statement reaffirmed the rejection of measures that alter the legal, demographic or administrative status of the occupied Palestinian territory, echoing previous positions on the invalidity of annexation efforts and the requirement for a negotiated two-state solution consistent with international norms.