ISLAMABAD: Pakistan strongly criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday for suggesting the relocation of millions of Palestinians to Saudi Arabia and the establishment of a Palestinian state there. The comments were made during an interview on Israel’s Channel 14 on February 16 and have sparked outrage from Pakistani officials.
Shafqat Ali Khan, a spokesperson for Pakistan’s foreign office, condemned Netanyahu’s remarks as “irresponsible, provocative, and thoughtless,” adding that they undermined the legitimate rights of Palestinians to establish a state on their own historical land.
Pakistan reiterated its solidarity with Saudi Arabia and rejected any attempts to misrepresent the Kingdom’s commitment to the Palestinian cause. The country also emphasized its strong ties with Saudi Arabia and its stance against Israel, calling for an independent Palestinian state based on internationally agreed parameters.
Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry also responded sharply, denouncing Netanyahu’s remarks as an attempt to distract from Israeli crimes in Gaza. The comments come after a similar suggestion by US President Donald Trump to resettle Palestinians, a proposal rejected by multiple countries, including Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has initiated discussions with foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Turkey, Malaysia, and Iran regarding the convening of an extraordinary Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) session on the matter.
