ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Acting UN Ambassador Usman Jadoon this week rejected Israel’s recognition of the breakaway Somaliland region. He called the move unilateral and unlawful. He said Pakistan opposes any plans to forcibly displace Palestinians from Gaza.
Israel last week announced it had recognized Somaliland, a region that declared independence from Somalia in 1991. The announcement drew strong criticism from Muslim states. Twenty-one Islamic countries and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation rejected the move in a joint statement.
International media earlier reported that Israel had contacted Somaliland over the possible resettlement of Palestinians removed from Gaza. Muslim countries fear Israel’s recognition of the region could support plans to relocate Palestinians by force.
Jadoon condemned the decision during a UN Security Council meeting on Monday. He said Israel had violated Somalia’s sovereignty and international law.
He warned that the move threatens Somalia’s stability at a time of political and institutional progress. He said such actions risk fragmenting the country and reversing hard-won gains.
Jadoon said Israel’s past references to Somaliland as a destination for displaced Palestinians made the recognition especially alarming. He said Israel was extending destabilizing policies beyond the Middle East.
He said Israel’s occupation of Palestinian land has fueled regional conflict for decades. He added that Pakistan firmly rejects any proposal that involves the forced displacement or resettlement of Palestinians.
Jadoon said such actions violate international law and weaken prospects for a just and lasting peace. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for Somalia’s government and its efforts to preserve unity and stability.
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He urged the UN Security Council and the international community to reject actions that undermine Somalia’s territorial integrity.
