In a joint statement, Pakistan and seven other Muslim countries condemned Israel's rejection of a US-backed road map aimed at resolving the Gaza conflict.
Islamabad, Pakistan Aug 17, 2026 ALN: Pakistan, along with seven other Muslim countries, has condemned Israel’s rejection of the road map designed to implement US President Donald Trump’s comprehensive plan to end the Gaza conflict. This condemnation was articulated in a joint statement issued by the Foreign Office, highlighting the collective stance of Pakistan, Egypt, Turkiye, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
The foreign ministers of these nations criticized Israel’s outright dismissal of the road map, which was endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution 2803, and its rejection of Palestinian statehood. They argued that such actions represent a “direct repudiation of the comprehensive plan,” jeopardizing its implementation and undermining efforts for a just and lasting peace.
“Such rejection confirms that Israel now bears responsibility for obstructing the efforts to bring peace in Gaza and the rest of the occupied Palestinian territory,” the statement asserted.
The road map, accepted by Palestinian factions, is the culmination of extensive mediation efforts by Egypt, Qatar, Turkiye, the US, and other stakeholders. It is seen as a vital step towards decommissioning weapons, withdrawing Israeli forces, deploying an International Stabilisation Force, transferring administrative authority to a Palestinian governing body, and reconstructing Gaza as outlined in the comprehensive plan.
The foreign ministers emphasized that rejecting the road map constitutes an “explicit refusal” to proceed with the implementation of the comprehensive plan, threatening to derail the extensive efforts made by President Trump to end the conflict and establish conditions for lasting peace.
They underscored the necessity of “sustained and active” US engagement to ensure Israel’s compliance with the commitments outlined in the comprehensive plan and to prevent further obstruction of its implementation. The joint statement stressed that Israel bears full responsibility for any consequences arising from its continued rejection and non-compliance, including any deterioration of the situation in Gaza.
Furthermore, the foreign ministers reaffirmed the urgent need for immediate implementation of the comprehensive plan to address the “grave humanitarian situation” in Gaza, ensure security and stability, and pave the way for reconstruction and recovery. They insisted that peace must be grounded in the Palestinian right to self-determination and statehood in accordance with international law.
“They categorically reject any attempt to deny or foreclose Palestinian statehood including through unilateral actions,” the statement declared.
The joint statement reiterated that a “just, lasting and comprehensive peace” can only be achieved through a two-state solution, establishing an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with international law and relevant UN resolutions.
“Any attempt to deny or foreclose Palestinian statehood therefore directly undermines the prospects for peace, security, and stability throughout the region,” it noted.
The foreign ministers also highlighted the importance of the continued role of the Board of Peace and called on all parties to support its efforts to implement the road map and advance the second phase of President Trump’s comprehensive plan.
“The ministers further call upon the Board of Peace, with the active support and engagement of the United States, to take immediate and concrete measures within its mandate to uphold the integrity of the comprehensive plan and prevent any party from obstructing its implementation,” the statement concluded.
In a related development, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently rejected a Gaza plan endorsed by President Trump, asserting that there would be no military withdrawal until Hamas is “genuinely” disarmed. Facing criticism from his right-wing base ahead of elections, Netanyahu stated that the Israeli military would not withdraw until Hamas's disarmament is complete.
The document, part of a US-led ceasefire announced in October, proposed that Hamas surrender its weapons to a nascent Palestinian governing body. However, Israel adamantly rejected the notion of a simultaneous withdrawal of forces and disarmament, insisting that Hamas must destroy its weapons first.
After a meeting with Netanyahu, Trump’s Board of Peace backtracked, stating that Israel would only need to withdraw after “complete” disarmament. Netanyahu, who is in a tight race to maintain his position as Israel’s longest-serving leader, has faced pressure from far-right allies to hold a new cabinet vote and abandon the Gaza plan.
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