Foreign ministers from eight Muslim-majority countries, including Pakistan, have strongly condemned Israeli calls and proposals to displace Palestinians from the Gaza Strip.
The foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates issued a joint statement on Sunday. They condemned remarks by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Defence Minister Israel Katz about removing Palestinians from Gaza.
The ministers said the proposals include plans and mechanisms aimed at forcibly removing Palestinians from their land. They warned that such statements violate international law and international humanitarian law.
Eight countries reject forced displacement
The ministers firmly rejected any plan to displace Palestinians from their homeland. They also warned that turning such proposals into practical measures would have serious consequences.
According to the joint statement, forced displacement would directly challenge international efforts to achieve peace. It would also undermine US President Donald Trump’s comprehensive plan to end the Gaza conflict.
The ministers said such actions could further damage prospects for regional stability and a lasting political solution.
Gaza remains part of Palestinian territory
The eight countries stressed that the Gaza Strip remains an integral part of the occupied Palestinian territory.
They also reaffirmed the need to preserve the territorial unity of the Palestinian territories. This includes Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
The ministers said the two-state solution remains the only path to lasting peace. They called for international efforts to support the establishment of a viable Palestinian state.
Call for international action
The foreign ministers urged the international community and the United Nations to meet their responsibilities toward the Palestinian people.
They called for stronger efforts to ease Palestinian suffering and protect their rights.
The joint position comes as senior Israeli ministers have renewed calls for the removal of Palestinians from Gaza. Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has promoted a plan for what he describes as “voluntary emigration,” while Defence Minister Israel Katz has also backed preparations for Palestinian departure.
The eight countries said any attempt to turn displacement proposals into action would threaten Palestinian rights and further complicate efforts to achieve peace in the region.
