Pakistan has strongly denounced Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent statement suggesting the establishment of a Palestinian state in Saudi Arabia, calling it irresponsible and provocative.
In a statement, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar criticized Netanyahu’s remarks as a blatant violation of international law, United Nations resolutions, and fundamental principles of justice. “It is extremely unfortunate to misrepresent Saudi Arabia’s position on the Palestinian issue,” Dar stated.
He emphasized that such statements undermine the Palestinian people’s legitimate right to self-determination and an independent state. Dar urged the international community to reject these inflammatory remarks and hold Israel accountable for its actions.
Expressing Pakistan’s unwavering support for Saudi Arabia, Dar reaffirmed that the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders remains a fundamental right. “Any attempt to displace the Palestinian people from their homeland is unacceptable,” he declared, reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to working with Saudi Arabia and global partners for a just resolution to the Palestinian issue.
Meanwhile, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) also strongly condemned Netanyahu’s comments, describing them as “dangerous and irresponsible.” GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi accused Israel of disregarding international laws and UN treaties, reaffirming the council’s steadfast support for Palestinian rights and the necessity of a two-state solution with East Jerusalem as Palestine’s capital.
Albudaiwi urged the global community to take a firm stance against Israel’s rhetoric, warning that such statements pose a serious threat to regional and global stability.
Saudi Arabia also rejected Netanyahu’s remarks, condemning them as an attempt to shift focus from Israel’s ongoing military actions in Gaza. The Saudi foreign ministry welcomed the widespread Arab and Islamic rejection of Netanyahu’s statements, reaffirming that the Palestinian cause remains central to the region.
Riyadh dismissed Netanyahu’s claims as an effort to “divert attention from the continuous crimes committed by the Israeli occupation in Gaza, including ethnic cleansing.” The Saudi statement further accused Israel of maintaining an “extremist occupying mindset” that refuses to recognize the deep-rooted historical and legal Palestinian ties to their land.
“The Palestinian people are rightful owners of their homeland, not outsiders or migrants who can be expelled at Israel’s discretion,” the statement asserted.
Saudi Arabia also blamed extremist elements for obstructing peace efforts, stating that such forces have prevented Israel from accepting coexistence and have systematically oppressed Palestinians for over 75 years. Riyadh reaffirmed its unwavering support for Palestinian statehood, insisting that Palestinian rights remain inalienable regardless of time.
The statement concluded by emphasizing that a lasting solution could only be achieved through rational dialogue and a firm commitment to the two-state solution.
The condemnation comes amid Israel’s continued military offensive in Gaza, which Saudi Arabia claims has “completely devastated the territory, killing or injuring more than 160,000 people, most of them women and children, without any sense of humanity or moral responsibility.”
