Islamabad (Web Desk): Foreign ministers from several Arab and Islamic countries on Sunday voiced strong opposition to recent remarks by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz concerning the removal of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip.
They also rejected proposals outlining plans or mechanisms that could lead to the forced expulsion of Palestinians from their homeland.
The foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and the United Arab Emirates, in a joint statement, described the remarks and proposals as blatant violations of international law, particularly international humanitarian law. They warned that such moves directly threaten the legitimate and fundamental rights of the Palestinian people.
The ministers reiterated their firm opposition to any initiative designed to displace Palestinians, whether by moving them within the Occupied Palestinian Territory or forcing them to leave it.
They cautioned that turning calls for compulsory displacement into official policy or implementing measures to remove Palestinians from their land could have serious and far-reaching consequences.
They also argued that such steps would undermine international efforts to secure a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The ministers specifically referred to US President Donald Trump’s Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict, noting that the plan clearly rejects forced displacement.
According to the statement, pursuing policies of displacement could severely damage efforts to restore stability across the region.
The foreign ministers further emphasised that Gaza remains an inseparable part of the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
They stressed the importance of maintaining the territorial unity of the Palestinian lands, covering the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.