Muslim Nations Condemn US Ambassador’s Remarks on Arab Territories
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad issued a joint statement on February 22, 2026, strongly condemning recent remarks made by the United States Ambassador to Israel regarding the potential acceptance of Israeli control over territories belonging to Arab states, including the occupied West Bank.
The foreign ministers of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, the Republic of Indonesia, the Republic of Türkiye, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the State of Qatar, the State of Kuwait, the Sultanate of Oman, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Lebanese Republic, the Syrian Arab Republic, and the State of Palestine joined the secretariats of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the League of Arab States (LAS), and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in expressing profound concern and strong condemnation of the statements.
The joint declaration described the remarks as dangerous and inflammatory, asserting that they represent a flagrant violation of international law and the Charter of the United Nations. The ministers warned that such statements pose a grave threat to regional security and stability, particularly amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
The ministries emphasized that the comments directly contradict the vision articulated by U.S. President Donald J. Trump, as well as the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict. According to the statement, these initiatives are intended to contain escalation and establish a political framework for a comprehensive settlement that ensures the Palestinian people can realize their right to an independent state.
The signatories underscored that the proposed framework is rooted in principles of tolerance and peaceful coexistence. They argued that any attempt to legitimize control over the lands of others undermines these objectives, fuels regional tensions, and constitutes incitement rather than a constructive contribution to peace efforts.
Reaffirming their unified position, the ministries declared that Israel holds no sovereignty over the Occupied Palestinian Territory or any other occupied Arab lands. They reiterated their categorical rejection of attempts to annex the West Bank or separate it from the Gaza Strip. The statement also voiced strong opposition to continued settlement expansion in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and firmly rejected any threat to the sovereignty of Arab states.
The foreign ministers further cautioned that Israel’s continued expansionist policies and what they described as unlawful measures would only exacerbate violence and instability in the region, undermining prospects for a peaceful resolution. They called for an end to what they termed incendiary statements and actions that heighten tensions.
The joint statement concluded by reaffirming the unwavering commitment of the participating countries to the inalienable right of the Palestinian people to self-determination. The ministers reiterated support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the lines of June 4, 1967, and the end of the occupation of all Arab lands.
Issued in Islamabad and designated as reference number 48/2026, the declaration reflects a coordinated diplomatic stance among Muslim-majority nations and regional organizations, underscoring continued advocacy for international law and a negotiated settlement to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
