Pakistan slams Israeli PM’s ‘irresponsible’ & ‘thoughtless’ remarks

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has strongly condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent statement that the Palestinian people should establish a state in Saudi Arabia, here on Sunday.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar said that Benjamin Netanyahu’s statement was irresponsible, provocative and ill-considered, which is not only deeply offensive but also undermines the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination and an independent state on their historical and legal land.

The Deputy Prime Minister said that Pakistan stands in solidarity with Saudi Arabia and appreciates its continued support for the Palestinian people and their just cause.

He added that “any attempt to undermine Saudi Arabia’s unwavering position and misrepresent its commitment to the Palestinian cause is deeply regrettable.”

Ishaq Dar said that Pakistan firmly believes that the Palestinian people have the inalienable right to establish an independent and sovereign state based on the pre-1967 borders with Jerusalem as its capital.

“Any proposal that seeks to displace or transfer the Palestinian people from their homeland is unacceptable and is a clear violation of international law, UN resolutions and the principles of justice and fairness.”

The Deputy Prime Minister reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and said that the country will continue to work with Saudi Arabia and other members of the international community to advocate for the rights of the Palestinian people and achieve a just, comprehensive and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue.

Ishaq Dar demanded that “Pakistan urges the international community to condemn this provocative statement and hold Israel accountable for its continued efforts to undermine the peace process.”