Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Monday strongly criticised U.S. and Israeli policies in the Middle East, accusing Washington of backing “a convicted criminal,” while pledging that Pakistan would never recognise Israel and reiterating support for a sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem (Al-Quds) as its capital.Speaking at a press conference in Lahore on the current international situation, the veteran politician declared that “the question of Palestine is today the most pressing issue in the world,” stressing that Pakistan remains “bound by the country’s founding position” on the conflict.> “The Founder of Pakistan had described the creation of Israel as a dagger thrust into the back of the Arab world.Israel remains an illegitimate state and we shall never recognise it,” Rehman said.He censured what he called the “stick-wielding politics” of former U.S. President Donald Trump, saying that no outside power could impose a solution on the Palestinians.> “This approach is neither political nor moral. As long as the Palestinian people themselves have not decided their own future, no one can force a settlement upon them,” he asserted.
Criticism of UN Platform for NetanyahuThe JUI-F chief lashed out at the decision to invite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to address the UN General Assembly despite being declared a war criminal by the International Court of Justice.> “To hold a joint press conference with Netanyahu is an insult to the Court itself.I salute all the countries whose delegations refused to hear his speech.But I am astonished at the United States, which by backing a criminal makes itself a partner in his crime,” he said.Rehman argued that any credible peace effort must recognise Hamas as a legitimate stakeholder, describing the movement as the “elected representative of the Palestinian people in Gaza.”Call for Unity in the Arab WorldTurning to regional politics, he urged the Arab states to close ranks, warning that a weak stance would lead to defeat.He drew parallels with the Bosnian conflict, recalling mass killings and displacements that occurred despite international “peace plans.”Critique of Pakistan’s Policy GapsRehman also questioned Pakistan’s own leadership, comparing the statement issued by the Corps Commanders’ Conference on Oct 17, chaired by Army Chief Gen Syed Asim Munir, with remarks made by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the UN, noting what he described as “striking differences” between speeches and subsequent official tweets.Conditions for PeaceHe insisted that if Washington and Tel Aviv were serious about peace, they should first withdraw the U.S. decision to move its embassy to Jerusalem.> “Only then could we consider it a sign towards the city’s liberation,” he said, emphasising that the entire Muslim world was united on Jerusalem’s freedom.Rehman concluded that the current proceedings in New York “do not represent the will of the global community,” adding that “public opinion must be respected — that is democracy. Otherwise, let the lofty claims of democracy be set aside.