UN Slams Israel’s New West Bank Settlement Plan as ‘War Crime’; Pakistan Strongly Condemns

ISLAMABAD / JERUSALEM — Pakistan has denounced Israel’s latest settlement expansion plans and its rhetoric around a so-called “Greater Israel,” warning that such actions represent blatant violations of international law. The condemnation came as the United Nations human rights office described the new Israeli settlement project in the occupied West Bank as nothing short of a war crime.

Foreign Office spokesperson Ambassador Shafqat Ali Khan issued a firm statement on Friday, stressing that Israel’s move directly contravenes the UN Charter and multiple UN Security Council resolutions.

The criticism followed remarks by Israeli far-right minister Bezalel Smotrich, who announced the revival of a stalled settlement project east of Jerusalem. Known as the E1 plan, the project would effectively split the occupied West Bank in two, severing it from East Jerusalem — a step observers say would destroy any prospects for a future Palestinian state.

What Is the E1 Settlement Plan?

The E1 zone, a 12-square-kilometre stretch of land east of Jerusalem, has been at the center of Israeli expansion ambitions for decades. Successive governments held off construction due to strong international opposition, as settlement building in occupied territory is deemed illegal under international law. Critics warn that pressing ahead now would eliminate the possibility of a geographically connected Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Pakistan Calls for Global Rejection

Ambassador Khan urged the global community to “categorically reject these provocative measures,” warning that Israel’s actions are designed to cement its occupation and derail peace initiatives.

“These statements reflect the occupying power’s blatant disregard for international efforts and confirm its intent to escalate instability in the region,” he added.

Reaffirming Islamabad’s stance, Khan reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state, based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif (Jerusalem) as its capital.

Meanwhile, Palestinian leaders have also condemned reports suggesting Tel Aviv is considering relocating displaced Gazans to South Sudan, calling the idea a dangerous attempt at forced population transfer.

Fresh Israeli airstrikes have further intensified the crisis, with at least 23 Palestinians killed in the latest bombardment. According to humanitarian groups, the total number of civilians killed while seeking aid since May has now reached 1,760.