At OIC moot, Pakistan rejects 'Greater Israel' plan, DPM Dar terms rhetoric a direct threat to regional peace

Jeddah (Web Desk): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar strongly condemned Israel’s recent aggressive rhetoric and actions concerning Palestinian territories during the 21st Extraordinary Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Jeddah.

He denounced Israel’s cabinet for unveiling plans to impose full military control over Gaza, and highlighted the Israeli Prime Minister’s controversial mention of establishing a “Greater Israel,” describing it as evidence of an expansionist and unlawful mindset.

Dar emphasized the urgent need for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian access, an end to forced displacement, illegal settlements, and annexation of Palestinian lands. He underscored the importance of holding Israel accountable for war crimes and upholding international and humanitarian laws.

“Gaza is suffering severe violations of international law, including attacks on hospitals, schools, UN facilities, aid convoys, and refugee camps, which constitute deliberate acts of collective punishment,” he said.

The ongoing blockade and bombardment have led to a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, with over 60,000 Palestinians—mainly women and children—killed in the assault.

Pakistan joined other countries and organizations in condemning Israel’s provocative statements that threaten to exacerbate the humanitarian situation and hinder peace efforts.

DPM Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with Arab nations in defending their sovereignty and territorial integrity and appreciated the international community’s support for Palestinian rights. He also welcomed the increasing momentum for recognizing Palestine as a full member of the United Nations, urging those yet to recognize the state to do so promptly.

“Words alone are insufficient and that the OIC must translate rhetoric into concrete actions to alleviate Palestinian suffering and prevent another Nakba,” FM Dar said

He warned that failure to protect Palestinian rights undermines the credibility of the international rules-based order and fuels impunity.

To address the crisis, Pakistan called for seven immediate measures: a permanent ceasefire with full UN Security Council resolution implementation, secure humanitarian aid access, strengthened support for UNRWA, cessation of forced displacement and illegal land annexations, implementation of OIC-led Gaza reconstruction plans, revival of a time-bound political process towards a two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as the capital, and accountability for war crimes.

Dar condemned any attempts to desecrate Al Aqsa Mosque, labeling Israeli incursions into Jerusalem as provocative violations of international law and an affront to the Muslim community worldwide.

He urged the OIC to remain vigilant in protecting Islamic and Christian holy sites. Furthermore, he called on the UN Security Council (UNSC) to enforce peace by imposing consequences on Israel for defying international consensus, including considering deployment of an international protection force to safeguard Gaza’s besieged population.

Highlighting Pakistan’s role as a non-permanent member of the Security Council, DPM Dar pledged to collaborate with OIC and Arab partners to galvanize global support for Palestinian self-determination, justice, and peace.

He urged urgent and decisive action from the OIC, emphasizing that tackling the root cause—the illegal Israeli occupation—is essential to achieving a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.