Pakistan has strongly denounced Israel’s latest attempt to annex parts of the occupied West Bank, calling it a violation of international law and UN resolutions.
The Foreign Office urged the global community to act decisively against what it termed “provocative and unlawful” measures undermining peace efforts.
In a statement issued Thursday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said Israel’s push to extend its so-called “sovereignty” over occupied Palestinian territories was a “flagrant breach of international law.”
The ministry stressed that such actions jeopardize peace and stability in the region and demanded that the international community hold Israel accountable for its continued violations.
Reaffirming its long-standing stance, Pakistan reiterated unwavering support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent and contiguous State of Palestine on pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
Israeli lawmakers advance controversial bills
On Wednesday, Israeli lawmakers voted to advance two draft laws seeking annexation of parts of the occupied West Bank. The first bill, passed by 32 votes to nine, aims to annex Maale Adumim — a large Israeli settlement east of Jerusalem housing nearly 40,000 people.
A second proposal to annex the entire West Bank narrowly passed its preliminary reading with 25 votes in favor and 24 against. Both bills will now move forward for further readings in Israel’s 120-member Knesset.
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Israeli far-right ministers have long promoted the annexation agenda, which follows a recent U.S.-brokered deal aimed at halting Israel’s two-year offensive in Gaza. Critics warn the move could derail the fragile peace efforts in the region.
Global reactions
The Ramallah-based Palestinian foreign ministry condemned the Israeli parliament’s decision, rejecting what it called “attempts to annex Palestinian land.” It reaffirmed that all occupied territories — including the West Bank, Jerusalem, and Gaza — constitute a single geographic unit under international law.
Jordan’s foreign ministry also denounced the Knesset votes as “a blatant violation of international law” and “a grave undermining of the two-state solution.”
In Washington, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio cautioned Israel against proceeding with the annexation, warning that such steps and ongoing settler violence threaten the recently signed Gaza peace deal. “At this time, we think it might be counterproductive,” Rubio said before departing for Israel.
Islamabad urged the United Nations and the international community to take “urgent and decisive action” to halt Israel’s unilateral measures. Pakistan’s Foreign Office reaffirmed its commitment to working with regional and global partners to promote a just and lasting solution for Palestine.
“The world cannot remain silent while Israel continues to defy international norms and resolutions,” the statement emphasized.
