ISLAMABAD – Pakistan has firmly rejected Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent suggestion of establishing a Palestinian state in Saudi Arabia. In response, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has initiated diplomatic discussions with his counterparts in Iran, Turkey, and Egypt to address the ongoing developments in the Middle East.
The controversy stems from Netanyahu’s interview with Fox News, where he dismissed the viability of an independent Palestinian state following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks. His latest proposal, suggesting Saudi Arabia as an alternative location for a Palestinian state, has been met with strong opposition.
Pakistan’s Response
In a strongly worded statement, the Foreign Office (FO) called Netanyahu’s remarks “irresponsible, provocative, and completely unacceptable.” FM Ishaq Dar condemned the proposal, emphasizing that it disregards the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and their historic homeland.
“Pakistan stands in full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and appreciates its unwavering support for the Palestinian cause,” Dar said, adding that any attempt to misrepresent Saudi Arabia’s stance on the issue is “deeply regrettable.”
He reiterated that Pakistan fully supports the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif (Jerusalem) as its capital.
“Any attempt to forcibly displace or relocate the Palestinian people is a blatant violation of international law, UN resolutions, and principles of justice,” he asserted.
Pakistan has urged the international community to reject Netanyahu’s remarks and hold Israel accountable for its continued efforts to undermine peace in the region.
Diplomatic Engagements
To address the issue, FM Dar held talks with foreign ministers of Iran, Egypt, and Turkey, discussing the situation in Gaza and reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause.
The ministers agreed to push for an extraordinary meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to deliberate on this pressing matter.
During a phone call with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, Dar expressed deep concerns over the proposed displacement of Palestinians. He reiterated that the only just solution is the two-state framework, as outlined in UN Security Council resolutions.
Pakistan remains committed to advocating for Palestinian rights and will continue working closely with Saudi Arabia and other international partners to achieve a comprehensive and lasting resolution to the Palestinian issue.
