NEW YORK (Dunya News) – Pakistan once again voiced strong support for the Palestinian people at the United Nations Security Council, rejecting Israel’s controversial E1 settlement plan and describing it as a serious threat to the geographical viability of a future Palestinian state.
Speaking at a Security Council meeting, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Asim Iftikhar, said the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories continues to take an alarming turn, with violations of international law and human rights persisting.
Asim Iftikhar said several members of the Security Council had also expressed deep concern over the current situation and stressed the need for accountability.
He stated that the pace of Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank continues to accelerate, while incidents of violence against Palestinians by Israeli settlers have reached record levels.
Pakistan urges UN action against Israeli settlements in occupied Palestine
He further said the E1 settlement plan would disrupt the geographical connectivity of Palestinian territories and further weaken prospects for a two-state solution.
Referring to the recent report by the UN Secretary-General, Asim Iftikhar said the approval of 4,750 new housing units in the occupied Palestinian territories is a deeply worrying development, further complicating the situation and undermining international efforts.
He also expressed concern over the freezing of financial resources for the Palestinian Authority, saying the move is weakening Palestinian institutions and appears aimed at crippling the governance system.
It is worth noting that Israel approved the E1 plan last year, under which 3,401 new housing units are planned for Israeli settlers between the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
Critics say the project could further reduce the chances of establishing a contiguous and sovereign Palestinian state in the future.