The Foreign Office (FO) strongly condemned US President Donald Trump’s recent remarks about a plan to take control of the Gaza Strip and economically develop it after displacing Palestinians. Trump’s plan, revealed at a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, suggested the resettlement of Palestinians to other countries—seemingly against their will—while transforming Gaza into a luxury destination like the “Riviera of the Middle East.”
The global response to the proposal was swift, with many critics calling for the creation of a Palestinian state. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio later clarified that Trump’s suggestion for resettling Gaza’s population would be temporary, though Trump had previously stated it would be permanent.
In its statement, Pakistan’s Foreign Office expressed deep concern, labeling the displacement of Gaza’s people as “deeply troubling and unjust.” The FO reiterated that Palestinian land rightfully belongs to the Palestinian people, and that a two-state solution based on UN Security Council resolutions is the only viable and just path forward.
Pakistan pledged continued support for Palestinians’ struggle for self-determination, emphasizing the establishment of a sovereign, independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. It also condemned Israel’s illegal settlements and displacement efforts, stressing that such actions violate international law and threaten regional peace and security.
Pakistan called for the return of displaced Palestinians, including those in Gaza, and urged the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied territories. The FO also advocated for increased humanitarian aid and efforts to rebuild Gaza.
Further, in a weekly briefing, FO Spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan condemned Israel’s restrictions on the flow of aid, calling them a violation of the ceasefire agreement and a threat to regional stability. Pakistan also urged the international community to hold Israel accountable for its actions.
In addition to addressing the Gaza issue, the FO provided updates on other matters, including the evacuation of 150 Pakistanis stranded in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, due to the ongoing conflict. Efforts were being made to facilitate their safe passage into Rwanda.
The FO also extended condolences on the death of Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, the spiritual leader of the Ismaili community, and confirmed the handover of the body of a terrorist killed in a counterterrorism operation to Afghan authorities. Pakistan also observed Kashmir Solidarity Day to reaffirm its support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination.
Lastly, the FO clarified that former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s participation in the National Prayer Breakfast in the US was not arranged by the government. It also mentioned that Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s mercy appeal to the former US president had been rejected.
