WASHINGTON: Pakistan joined seven other members of the United Nations Security Council in reiterating firm opposition to the annexation of any part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory and the forcible displacement of Palestinians.
The joint statement, delivered by Pakistan’s UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, was issued on behalf of Bahrain, Denmark, France, Greece, Latvia, Pakistan, Somalia and the United Kingdom. It emphasized that such actions violate international law and undermine prospects for peace.
The members recalled relevant UNSC resolutions, including Resolution 2334, and reaffirmed opposition to settlement expansion and demographic changes in territories occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem. They stressed that Israel must immediately and completely cease all settlement activities and fulfill its legal obligations.
Describing settlements as illegal, the statement condemned escalating violence against Palestinian civilians and called for accountability for those responsible.
The group also expressed concern over the humanitarian and economic situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, citing restrictions on movement and access, as well as the withholding of Palestinian tax revenues. They urged immediate action to address these issues.
Reaffirming commitment to international law and UN resolutions, the members supported the right of Palestinians to self-determination and opposed policies of annexation and forced displacement.
They concluded by calling for an end to the Israeli occupation and the implementation of a two-state solution based on established international frameworks, including the principle of land for peace and the Arab Peace Initiative.
