Eight Muslim-majority states denounce West Bank land move
Coordinated condemnation cites international law
ISLAMABAD: Eight Muslim‑majority countries, including Pakistan, on Tuesday condemned Israel’s decision to register extensive tracts of the occupied West Bank as “state property,” calling it a grave breach of international law. Citing Al Jazeera, officials said the Israeli cabinet approved the plan—the first measure of its kind since Israel seized the territory in 1967—despite prohibitions on an occupying power confiscating land.
In a joint communiqué, the foreign ministries of Pakistan, Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar called the step an illegal escalation intended to accelerate settlement expansion, enable land seizures, and entrench Israeli control over the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
They warned the measure seeks to impose “a new legal and administrative reality designed to consolidate control over occupied land,” thereby undermining a two‑state solution and jeopardizing prospects for a just, comprehensive peace.
Moreover, the ministers labeled the decision a flagrant violation of international law and international humanitarian law, particularly the Fourth Geneva Convention, as well as relevant UN Security Council resolutions, including Resolution 2334. They further argued it contradicts the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion, which affirmed the illegality of efforts to alter the legal, historical, and demographic status of the territory and reaffirmed the prohibition on acquiring land by force.
Israel’s foreign ministry countered that the policy would allow “transparent and thorough clarification of rights to resolve legal disputes.”
Separately, UN Secretary‑General António Guterres deemed the move destabilizing and unlawful, according to spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric.
Regional and international reactions
Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, and Jordan issued additional condemnations. Meanwhile, the European Union urged Israel to reverse the decision.
Palestinian response
The Ramallah‑based Palestinian Authority appealed for urgent international intervention, calling the policy “the de facto beginning of annexation” and a direct threat to the foundations of a future Palestinian state. Analysts warned the designation could trigger legal challenges, heighten tensions on the ground, and complicate mediation efforts.
Meta description: Eight nations condemn Israel’s West Bank state land plan; UN, EU object as Palestinians urge urgent international intervention.
https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2026/02/17/pakistan-seven-muslim-nations-condemn-israels-west-bank-state-property-move
