Pakistan, 7 Muslim States Reject Calls to Displace Palestinians

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has joined seven Arab and Islamic countries in strongly rejecting statements and proposals concerning the forced displacement of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip. The collective response was issued by the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates after remarks attributed to Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz.

In their joint statement, the eight countries said proposals aimed at removing Palestinians from their land were unacceptable and contrary to international law, including international humanitarian law. They warned that measures designed to force Palestinians from Gaza would threaten the rights of the Palestinian people and could have serious consequences for regional stability.

The foreign ministers reaffirmed their rejection of any attempt to displace Palestinians either within or outside the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Their statement stressed that such displacement could not be justified under any pretext and cautioned against turning political statements advocating removal into formal policies or practical measures on the ground.

Pakistan and the other signatories also linked the issue to wider diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the Gaza conflict. They said forced displacement would challenge international initiatives seeking a negotiated settlement and could undermine efforts to establish lasting peace. The ministers maintained that Gaza forms an integral part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory and should not be separated politically or geographically from the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

The eight countries renewed their support for a two-state solution based on the lines of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as the capital of an independent Palestinian state. They presented that framework as the route toward a just and lasting settlement and called for implementation in accordance with relevant international resolutions.

The statement also urged the international community, particularly the United Nations Security Council, to act against attempts to impose a new demographic or geographic reality in Palestinian territories. The foreign ministers said international institutions had a responsibility to uphold international law and protect the legitimate rights of Palestinians while preventing measures that could further destabilise the region.

For Pakistan, the declaration reinforces its established diplomatic position in support of Palestinian statehood and opposition to forced displacement. Islamabad's participation alongside major Arab and Muslim states also places Pakistan within a coordinated regional diplomatic response at a time when developments in Gaza remain a major international issue. Further diplomatic engagement is expected through multilateral forums as the signatory countries press for international action and continued adherence to the two-state framework.