Pakistan’s Foreign Minister (FM) Ishaq Dar on Wednesday criticised Israel’s illegal settlements in the West Bank, calling the recent moves “gravely disturbing” and in violation of international law, during a United Nations Security Council meeting on Gaza and the West Bank.

Pakistan, a non-permanent member of the 15-nation council and the only member to accept an invitation to join the Board of Peace, highlighted that Israel’s actions are “null and void” under international law.

The Security Council, meeting in New York a day earlier than scheduled, also called for the Gaza ceasefire to become permanent and warned that Israeli expansion in the West Bank undermines prospects for a two-state solution. 

The session was moved after US President Donald Trump announced that his proposed Board of Peace would convene on Thursday to discuss the future of the Palestinian territories, raising concerns among diplomats about overlapping agendas.

Foreign ministers from the United Kingdom, Israel, Jordan, Egypt and Indonesia also attended the council’s monthly Middle East session, which several Arab and Islamic countries had requested to discuss Gaza and the West Bank ahead of Washington DC meetings.

Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour told the council that annexation would breach the UN Charter and international law, threatening ongoing peace efforts. 

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, meanwhile, said international attention would focus on the Board of Peace meeting rather than the UN session, accusing the council of bias against Israel and asserting Israel’s so-called historical claim to the land.

The Board of Peace was initially envisioned as a small group of leaders overseeing a 20-point US plan for Gaza. Its expanded role, including mediation in other global conflicts, has prompted hesitation among some US allies. While over 20 countries have accepted invitations, partners such as France and Germany have not joined and reaffirmed support for the United Nations.