Pakistan and 13 other Arab and Islamic countries have strongly condemned recent remarks by the United States ambassador to Israel, saying the comments threaten regional peace and violate international law. The condemnation came in a joint statement issued on February 22, 2026, following comments that suggested Israel could control territories belonging to Arab states, including the occupied West Bank.
The statement was issued by Pakistan along with Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine. It was also supported by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the League of Arab States, and the Gulf Cooperation Council.
Strong Rejection of Remarks on Occupied Territories
The joint statement followed remarks by Mike Huckabee during a media interview in which he suggested Israel’s borders were based on biblical claims and said it would be acceptable if Israel took control of all the land. These comments drew immediate backlash across the region.
In response, the foreign ministers said such statements were dangerous and inflammatory. They stressed that these remarks clearly violate international law and the United Nations Charter. Moreover, they warned that such views pose a serious threat to regional security and stability.
At the same time, the countries firmly rejected any attempt to justify control over occupied land. They said Israel has no sovereignty over the occupied Palestinian territory or any other Arab land. They also opposed any move to annex the West Bank or separate it from Gaza.
Call for Peace and Respect for Palestinian Rights
Meanwhile, the statement highlighted that the remarks contradict the peace vision promoted by US President Donald Trump and efforts to reduce tensions in Gaza. According to the ministers, comments that encourage land control undermine chances for peace and instead fuel anger and instability.
In addition, the countries warned that Israel’s continued settlement expansion and other unlawful actions would only deepen conflict in the Middle East. They urged an end to such statements and called for responsible language that supports peace.
The joint statement reaffirmed strong support for the Palestinian people. It emphasized their right to self determination and the creation of an independent Palestinian state based on the June 4, 1967 borders. The ministers also repeated their demand for an end to the occupation of all Arab lands, saying lasting peace can only come through justice and dialogue.
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