Pakistan, Saudi Arabia to convene urgent OIC meeting on Gaza crisis

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have agreed to urgently convene an Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting of foreign ministers to address the ongoing developments in Gaza.

This decision came during a telephone conversation between Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud on Monday, Radio Pakistan reported.

The discussions followed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's provocative remarks regarding Palestinians, which were strongly condemned by Dar.

He reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering commitment to Saudi Arabia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as its steadfast support for the Palestinian cause.

Prince Faisal expressed gratitude for Pakistan's consistent and time-tested support, highlighting the importance of the two nations’ enduring relationship.

Earlier, in a separate conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, Dar reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering stance on the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, based on pre-1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

Both foreign ministers exchanged views on the Middle East situation, particularly focusing on the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia also condemned Netanyahu's remarks suggesting the displacement of Palestinians, issuing a statement rejecting any notion of a Palestinian state on Saudi territory.

This controversy began when Netanyahu appeared to joke during an interview, suggesting a “Saudi state” instead of a “Palestinian state,” before quickly correcting himself.