Kabul: The Taliban-led interim administration in Afghanistan has strongly criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, rejecting any plans aimed at displacing Palestinians from their homeland. The Afghan Foreign Ministry expressed its firm disapproval of Netanyahu's statement suggesting the establishment of a Palestinian state within the territory of Saudi Arabia.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Afghan Foreign Ministry condemned the Israeli leader's proposal as unrealistic and a violation of internationally recognized facts and Saudi Arabia's sovereignty. Netanyahu's suggestion that "the Saudis can create a Palestinian state in Saudi Arabia; they have a lot of land over there" has sparked widespread condemnation not only from Palestinians and Arab countries but also from nations such as Canada, France, Germany, and the UK.
The Taliban criticized Netanyahu's statement, highlighting his ongoing legal troubles, including an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court. The Foreign Ministry reiterated that Palestine is the rightful land of the Palestinian people, emphasizing that the ongoing Israeli occupation violates their inalienable rights and contributes to instability in Gaza and the broader region.
This development follows a controversial statement by former US President Donald Trump on February 4, in which he suggested that Washington could "take over" Gaza and relocate Palestinians as part of a redevelopment plan. This proposal was also met with international condemnation.
The Israeli military actions have resulted in significant casualties, with nearly 48,200 Palestinians killed and Gaza left devastated since the conflict began on October 7, 2023. A ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal between Israel and Hamas took effect on January 19, after 15 months of conflict. Israel is currently facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice.
The International Criminal Court had previously issued arrest warrants in November for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.