In a significant diplomatic move at the United Nations, a coalition of eight countries, spearheaded by Pakistan’s Permanent Representative Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, issued a powerful joint declaration condemning Israel’s ongoing settlement activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The statement, delivered during a session of the UN Security Council, emphatically called for an immediate cessation of all settlement expansion and strongly opposed any attempts to annex parts of these territories.
The collective declaration reaffirmed the group’s unwavering commitment to upholding international law and key UN resolutions, notably Security Council Resolution 2334. This resolution explicitly declares Israeli settlements in occupied territories illegal and demands a halt to any actions that alter the status of lands occupied since 1967. Ambassador Ahmad articulated the shared stance of the eight nations, emphasizing that any annexation or forced displacement of Palestinians is a blatant violation of international norms and undermines prospects for peace.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, the statement underscored the illegal nature of altering the demographic composition or character of the occupied lands, including East Jerusalem. It urged Israel to fully comply with its legal obligations by immediately stopping all settlement activities. The declaration also condemned the escalating violence linked to these settlements, including recent attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinian civilians, which tragically have resulted in the deaths of Palestinian children. The group demanded accountability for those responsible for such acts of violence.
The coalition comprises Pakistan, Bahrain, Denmark, France, Greece, Latvia, Somalia, and the United Kingdom. Together, they expressed deep concern over the deteriorating humanitarian and economic conditions in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. These hardships have been exacerbated by restrictions on movement and access, as well as the withholding of Palestinian tax revenues, further straining the already fragile situation. The statement also stressed the urgent need to maintain the historic status quo of Jerusalem’s holy sites, a matter of profound importance to multiple faith communities.
Reaffirming their commitment to a just and lasting peace, the eight countries referenced internationally recognized frameworks such as the Arab Peace Initiative and the Madrid terms of reference. They reiterated that a two-state solution, based on the borders established in 1967, remains the only viable path to achieving sustainable peace and security in the region. This unified position reflects a broader international consensus aimed at resolving the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict through diplomacy and adherence to international law.
Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad’s delivery of the statement highlighted Pakistan’s active diplomatic engagement on the Palestinian issue. Pakistan continues to insist that any efforts to resolve the conflict must be grounded in international law and UN mandates, reinforcing the country’s longstanding support for Palestinian rights on the global stage.
This coordinated stance at the United Nations emerges amid growing international scrutiny of Israel’s settlement policies and escalating regional tensions. The global community is increasingly focused on exploring avenues for de-escalation and revitalizing diplomatic initiatives to bring about a peaceful resolution to this protracted conflict. The joint declaration by these eight nations serves as a clear message of solidarity with the Palestinian people and a call for immediate action to halt activities that threaten peace and stability in the region.
