ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Pakistan has strongly rejected Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s remarks on creating a “Greater Israel”, describing the plan as a grave threat to regional peace.
Speaking at the extraordinary session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s Council of Foreign Ministers (OIC-CFM) in Jeddah, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar called for an immediate, permanent and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza, alongside unfettered humanitarian access for civilians.
According to the Palestinian health ministry, Israeli strikes since October 7, 2023, have killed more than 62,000 people and left at least 157,951 injured. The United Nations has warned that with Israeli forces blocking aid, nearly half a million people face “catastrophic hunger” in Gaza. Israeli forces have recently approved a plan to seize full control of Gaza City, labelling it the “last bastion of Hamas”, while bombardments continue.
Dar condemned Israel’s actions, describing the attacks on hospitals, schools, UN facilities and refugee camps as “wanton acts of collective punishment in full world view”. He added that Palestinians were being subjected to starvation, forced displacement and systematic destruction, while violence and dispossession were spreading across the West Bank and Jerusalem.
Statement delivered by Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 at the 21st Extraordinary session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers held today in Jeddah. pic.twitter.com/PyMRMFLdos
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) August 25, 2025Pakistan’s strong condemnation
Dar emphasised that Netanyahu’s “Greater Israel” remarks demonstrated Israel’s “annexationist and rogue mindset”, undermining efforts for peace in the region. He said Pakistan had joined 31 Arab-Islamic countries, as well as the OIC, the League of Arab States and the Gulf Cooperation Council, in rejecting and condemning Israel’s statements.
“His (Netanyahu’s) statement constitutes a direct threat to Arab national security, to the sovereignty of states, and to regional and international peace and security,” Dar said, while quoting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s stance that Israel’s prolonged illegal occupation remained the root cause of the conflict.
Pakistan reaffirmed its support for the two-state solution, based on pre-1967 borders with Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine. Dar urged the international community to act decisively, calling Gaza “a graveyard for innocent lives as well as for international law”.
He also outlined seven “urgent and essential steps” to end the crisis: an unconditional ceasefire, secure humanitarian access, protection for aid workers, an end to illegal settlements, implementation of the OIC’s Gaza reconstruction plan, revival of a genuine peace process, and accountability for war crimes.
Saudi Arabia’s position
Earlier in the session, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan stated that Israel’s continued violations in Gaza were undermining global efforts for a two-state solution. He noted that the number of countries recognising Palestine as a state was steadily increasing.
Prince Faisal reiterated Saudi Arabia’s “unwavering commitment” to the establishment of a Palestinian state based on 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. He stressed that international recognition of Palestine was gathering pace, marking a significant step in efforts to end decades of conflict.
Humanitarian crisis deepens
The UN’s Famine Review Committee reported that the food crisis in Gaza was “entirely man-made” and could be reversed only with an immediate large-scale response. The committee warned that without urgent action, famine-related deaths would rise exponentially.
“The time for debate and hesitation has passed; starvation is present and is rapidly spreading,” the UN report stated. It highlighted that indiscriminate bombardment and a total blockade had left civilians in desperate need, with aid convoys blocked and medical teams targeted.
Meanwhile, Pakistan dispatched a fresh consignment of 100 tons of relief goods from Lahore to Gaza, including ration bags, ready-to-eat meals and canned fruits. This marked the 21st consignment sent under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s directive, bringing the total volume of aid from Pakistan to 2,027 tons.
Defining moment for Muslim states
Dar described the crisis as “a defining moment for the Muslim Ummah”, stressing that history would not judge leaders by words but by actions. He urged OIC members to stand united and prevent another Nakba, referencing the mass displacement of Palestinians during the 1948 war.
“The OIC must rise to this challenge with unity, resolve and purpose,” Dar said, adding that Palestinians no longer required messages of sympathy but concrete steps to secure their rights and end the occupation.
The extraordinary OIC meeting brought together foreign ministers from across the Muslim world to deliberate coordinated responses to the escalating situation in Gaza. As Israel pushes ahead with plans to consolidate its control over Gaza City, calls for a ceasefire and recognition of Palestinian statehood have intensified, with growing global attention on the worsening humanitarian disaster.