KSA rejects Israeli PM's thoughtless statements

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has strongly condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's remarks suggesting that the Palestinian people should establish a state in Saudi Arabia, calling the statement  The condemnation came from Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar yesterday, following Netanyahu's remarks during an interview on pro-Netanyahu Channel 14.

The Israeli leader appeared to be joking when he responded to an interviewer who mistakenly said "Saudi state" instead of "Palestinian state", before correcting himself. According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office, FM Dar said: "The Israeli remark is irresponsible, provocative, and thoughtless, which is not only deeply offensive but also undermines and disregards the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination and an independent state on their own historical and legitimate territory."

Pakistan reaffirmed its solidarity with Saudi Arabia, commending the Kingdom's steadfast support for the Palestinian cause. The Foreign Office stated that any attempt to misrepresent Saudi Arabia's position on Palestine was "deeply regrettable."

FM Dar reiterated Pakistan's firm stance on Palestine, stating that the Palestinian people have an "inalienable right to establish an independent and sovereign state based on pre-1967 borders, with Al Quds Al Sharif as its capital." The Foreign Office strongly rejected any proposal that seeks to displace or relocate Palestinians, calling it a "blatant violation of international law, UN resolutions, and the principles of justice and fairness."

Pakistan vowed to continue working closely with Saudi Arabia and the international community to advocate for the rights of Palestinians and push for a just, comprehensive, and lasting solution to the conflict.

Pakistan also urged the international community to denounce Netanyahu's provocative remarks and hold Israel accountable for undermining the peace process. Separately, FM Dar "discussed the evolving situation in Gaza" with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, the foreign office said in a post on X.

FM Dar in a telephonic conversation with FM Fidan expressed Pakistan's steadfast commitment to the Palestinian people, reiterating the country's support for the "establishment of a sovereign, independent, and contiguous Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders".

Dar expressed Pakistan's grave concern at the proposal calling for the "displacement of Palestinian people and reiterated that Palestinian land belongs to the people of Palestine".

The two ministers agreed to support the convening of an Extraordinary Organisation of Islamic Cooperation ministerial meeting to deliberate upon the "urgent and burning issue", agreeing to "maintain close contact" in the coming days.

In an earlier statement by the Saudi foreign ministry, Saudi Arabia affirmed its categorical rejection of remarks by Netanyahu.

Published in The Daily National Courier, February, 10 2025

Like Business on Facebook, follow @DailyNCourier on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.