Pakistan has rejected renewed calls by US President Donald Trump to join the Abraham Accords, reaffirming its long-standing position on Israel and Palestine amid growing diplomatic discussions in the Middle East. The response came after Trump reportedly urged several Muslim-majority countries, including Pakistan, to normalize relations with Israel as part of a broader effort to expand the Abraham Accords framework. The proposal is believed to be linked with ongoing regional negotiations involving Iran and security cooperation in the Middle East.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif dismissed the idea, saying any such move would be “not acceptable” for Islamabad and would go against the country’s core principles and foreign policy stance. Pakistan does not officially recognize Israel and has consistently maintained that normalization can only happen after the establishment of an independent Palestinian state under a two-state solution.

The issue has gained renewed sensitivity due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has triggered strong reactions across the Muslim world, including Pakistan. Analysts say any attempt by the Pakistani government to move toward diplomatic ties with Israel could spark significant political and public backlash domestically.

The Abraham Accords were first introduced in 2020 during Trump’s earlier term as president. Under the agreements, countries including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan normalized relations with Israel. Supporters described the accords as a breakthrough for regional peace and economic cooperation, while critics argued they sidelined the Palestinian cause.

Trump is now reportedly attempting to revive and expand the agreements by encouraging more countries to join the framework. Pakistan’s refusal also highlights the wider divide within the Muslim world over ties with Israel. While some Gulf nations have strengthened diplomatic and economic relations with Tel Aviv in recent years, others continue to insist that progress on Palestinian statehood must come first.

Political observers note that Islamabad’s position is also shaped by domestic politics and its broader foreign policy calculations. Pakistan has often linked its support for Palestine with its stance on issues related to self-determination, including Kashmir. Saudi Arabia — another country frequently linked to potential normalization talks — has also maintained that recognition of Israel would depend on concrete progress toward a Palestinian state.

The latest developments underline the continuing challenges facing efforts to expand the Abraham Accords at a time when tensions in Gaza and the wider Middle East remain high. As diplomatic discussions continue, Pakistan’s response signals that the Palestinian issue remains a decisive factor in the foreign policy decisions of several Muslim-majority nations despite changing regional alliances.