ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and seven other Muslim countries have strongly condemned escalating Israeli settler violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, calling on the international community to act to halt Israel's dangerous escalation and illegal practices in the occupied territory.
In a joint statement issued by the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Türkiye, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the countries condemned recent attacks on Palestinian places of worship, including the Grand Mosque in the village of Jiljilya and Al-Farouq Mosque in the village of Mazar' al-Nubani, north of Ramallah.
The statement comes at a sensitive moment for the region following the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran, which aims to reduce tensions after months of conflict.
The ministers' remarks underscore concerns that continued Israeli military operations and settler violence in the occupied Palestinian territories risk undermining broader diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring stability and preventing renewed regional escalation.
The ministers condemned “in the strongest terms the continued and escalating settler violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank,” stressing that attacks on mosques constituted “a clear violation of the sanctity of places of worship and religious sites, international law, including international humanitarian law, and relevant United Nations resolutions.”
The countries affirmed their “absolute rejection” of the attacks and of continued illegal Israeli measures in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
They said these actions “fuel instability, violence and extremism and undermine international efforts to achieve peace,” and held “Israel, the occupying Power, responsible for these attacks.”
Pakistan has long been a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause and does not recognize Israel.
Islamabad consistently advocates the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, and has repeatedly called for the protection of Palestinian civilians, religious sites and their right to self-determination.
The ministers reiterated their call on the international community to “uphold its legal and moral responsibilities” and compel Israel to halt its escalation in the occupied West Bank, end its illegal practices, stop settler violence and ensure accountability for those responsible.
Reaffirming solidarity with the Palestinian people, the eight countries voiced support for “the realization of their legitimate and inalienable national rights,” including self-determination and the establishment of “an independent and sovereign Palestinian State on the 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital.”
They also reaffirmed support for a “just, lasting, and comprehensive peace” based on the two-state solution, international law, relevant United Nations resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.
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