Muslim nations, including Pakistan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, have condemned Israel’s decision to designate lands in the occupied West Bank as state land. This move, announced just before the US President Donald Trump is set to chair the Board of Peace summit on Gaza, has been criticized as a violation of international law.
In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of eight key Muslim countries expressed their strong opposition to Israel’s actions, calling them an illegal step and a grave escalation. They argue that these measures are designed to accelerate illegal settlement activity and undermine Palestinian rights.
The statement emphasized that the decision violates international law, particularly the Fourth Geneva Convention and UN Security Council Resolution 2334. It contradicts the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion on the legal consequences of Israeli policies in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
The ministers warned that Israel’s actions threaten the two-state solution and jeopardize efforts to achieve a comprehensive peace. They urged the international community to take decisive steps to halt these violations and protect the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Ishaq Dar, will attend a UN Security Council briefing on February 18, reaffirming Pakistan’s stance against Israel’s West Bank expansion. He will advocate for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, February 18th, 2026
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