Pakistan says Israel's refusal to withdraw forces from Gaza 'serious setback' to peace plan

What Happened

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Tahir Andrabi rejected Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s stated opposition to establishing a Palestinian state, saying Palestinian statehood rests on international law and UN resolutions and has “an established international legality.” Andrabi said Israeli rejections cannot alter that legal and diplomatic reality. Referring to Netanyahu’s remarks about refusing to withdraw Israeli forces from Gaza, Andrabi told reporters in Islamabad that such a refusal would be a “serious setback to the decision taken at the Board of Peace,” because the disarmament of Hamas and the evacuation of Gaza by Israeli troops were “twin commitments.” He added that Pakistan hopes Israel will abide by its commitments.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The statement adds Pakistan’s diplomatic weight to positions holding that Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and Palestinian statehood are legal and political commitments, and it frames continued Israeli military presence as undermining the ceasefire-related plan. It signals that Muslim-majority states may publicly pressure Israel over Gaza withdrawal and Palestinian statehood as negotiations or UN processes continue.

Watch For

Watch for whether Israel responds to Pakistan’s statement or clarifies Netanyahu’s position on withdrawing forces and Palestinian statehood; monitor further Pakistani diplomatic statements at the UN, OIC, or with mediators, and any moves on UN resolutions concerning Palestinian statehood.