Pakistan has joined other members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in strongly denouncing Israeli settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territories, calling them illegal under international law. The joint statement, delivered at the UN, reaffirmed opposition to any attempts to annex Palestinian land or alter its demographic composition.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Pakistan’s UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad stressed that such settlement expansion violates international law and undermines ongoing peace efforts. The statement also condemned increasing violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinian civilians and called for accountability.

The UNSC members reiterated their demand for Israel to immediately halt all settlement activities, including in East Jerusalem, in line with previous UN resolutions. They warned that continued expansion threatens the prospects of a just and lasting peace in the region.

Additionally, the council expressed concern over the worsening humanitarian and economic situation in the occupied territories, urging urgent action to ease restrictions and improve living conditions.

Reaffirming support for a two-state solution, Pakistan and other members emphasised the need for a peaceful resolution based on international law, ensuring the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and long-term regional stability.