Pakistan Condemns Israel’s West Bank Actions at OIC Meeting | Calls for Palestine State & Kashmir Resolution

Islamabad – Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, led the country’s delegation at an extraordinary session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) Executive Committee held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on February 26th and 27th, 2026. The meeting centered on Israel’s recent actions in the occupied West Bank, which Pakistan and other OIC members deem illegal attempts to solidify annexation and undermine the prospects for a two-state solution. Dar’s address strongly condemned these measures and outlined a series of urgent steps the OIC should take to reverse the escalating situation.

The Immediate Crisis: Israeli Actions in the West Bank

The catalyst for the emergency OIC session was the Israeli government’s approval of a proposal to register large areas of the occupied West Bank as “state property.” This move, the first of its kind since the territory’s occupation in 1967, is widely considered a violation of international law, which prohibits occupying powers from confiscating land in occupied territories. As reported by Dawn, the meeting was convened to address these “illegal decisions… aimed at expanding settlements, pursuing annexation, and attempting to impose Israeli sovereignty over the Occupied West Bank.” The timing is particularly sensitive given the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the fragile ceasefire currently in place.

Pakistan’s Position and Regional Advocacy

During his address, Dar articulated Pakistan’s firm stance against Israel’s actions. He emphasized Pakistan’s active role in advocating for the Palestinian cause on the international stage, specifically highlighting the country’s efforts as an elected member of the UN Security Council. Pakistan is also part of the Group of Eight Arab and Islamic countries within the Security Council, and a member of the Board of Peace, allowing it to amplify its voice on this critical issue. According to a press release from Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dar underscored the gravity of the situation and urged the OIC to take collective action.

A Four-Point Plan for Action

Dar presented a four-point plan for the OIC to consider. First, he called for an immediate reversal of all Israeli measures aimed at the de facto annexation of the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Second, he stressed the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2803, which addresses the ceasefire in Gaza. Third, he advocated for the immediate commencement of reconstruction efforts in Gaza, ensuring Palestinian ownership and a central role for the Palestinian Authority. Finally, Dar urged the establishment of a time-bound political horizon leading to the creation of an independent, sovereign, and contiguous State of Palestine, based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem (Al-Quds Al-Sharif) as its capital, in accordance with relevant UN resolutions. This echoes long-standing international consensus on the parameters for a two-state solution.

Beyond Palestine: Kashmir and OIC Support

The Pakistani delegation also used the opportunity to raise the issue of Jammu and Kashmir. Dar expressed appreciation for the OIC’s consistent support for resolving the long-standing dispute and urged the organization to intensify its efforts to realize the right to self-determination for the Kashmiri people. This reflects Pakistan’s consistent position on the issue and its efforts to internationalize the dispute. The inclusion of Kashmir within the context of the OIC meeting underscores the interconnectedness of Muslim minority issues and the organization’s broader mandate to advocate for the rights of Muslim communities worldwide.

Diplomatic Engagements on the Sidelines

Beyond the formal session, Dar engaged in a series of bilateral and pull-aside meetings with foreign ministers from several OIC member states. As noted on X (formerly Twitter) by Pakistan’s Foreign Office, these meetings included discussions with counterparts from Bangladesh, Maldives, Palestine, Turkey (Deputy Foreign Minister), and Somalia. These engagements provided an opportunity to build consensus, explore potential avenues for coordinated action, and strengthen Pakistan’s diplomatic ties within the OIC framework. The specific details of these discussions were not publicly released, but they likely focused on strategies for responding to the Israeli actions and advancing the Palestinian cause.

The OIC’s Role and Limitations

The OIC, established in 1969, is the second-largest inter-governmental organization after the United Nations. It aims to represent the collective interests of Muslim-majority countries and promote cooperation in various fields, including political, economic, social, and cultural areas. However, the OIC has often been criticized for its lack of concrete action and its inability to overcome internal divisions. Member states often have differing priorities and geopolitical alignments, which can hinder the organization’s ability to forge a unified response to crises. The effectiveness of the OIC’s response to the current situation in the West Bank will depend on its ability to overcome these challenges and translate its resolutions into tangible actions.

What Remains Unclear and the Path Forward

While Dar’s address and the OIC session represent a strong condemnation of Israel’s actions, the practical impact remains to be seen. It is unclear whether the OIC will be able to exert sufficient pressure on Israel to reverse its policies. The United States, a key ally of Israel, has consistently opposed international efforts to hold Israel accountable for its actions in the occupied territories. The implementation of Security Council Resolution 2803, particularly regarding the ceasefire in Gaza, also faces significant challenges, with ongoing violations and a lack of a comprehensive political solution.

The next steps will likely involve further diplomatic efforts by the OIC, potentially including consultations with the UN Security Council and other international actors. The OIC may also consider imposing sanctions on Israeli officials and entities involved in the illegal settlement activities, although such measures would require a high degree of consensus among member states. A lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will require a renewed commitment to negotiations based on the principles of international law and the two-state solution. The OIC’s role will be to continue advocating for these principles and to mobilize international support for a just and lasting peace.