Dhaka, July 30 (V7N) – Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain today delivered a strong plea for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza and accountability for crimes committed against Palestinians, addressing a high-level UN conference on the peaceful settlement of the Palestine question in New York.

"We (Bangladesh) reaffirm our steadfast support for the establishment of a viable and independent State of Palestine, based on pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital," Hossain stated at the "High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution."

The Adviser characterized the current situation in Gaza as "one of the gravest genocides of our time" and urged the international community to act with "urgency and courage" to uphold international law, humanitarian principles, and the UN Charter. He warned that peace in the Middle East cannot be achieved without justice for the Palestinian people and reiterated Bangladesh's firm position in support of the two-state solution as the only viable path forward.

Hossain highlighted the severe human toll, noting that "More than 58,000 Palestinians have lost their lives and many more have been injured, most of them women and children." He added, "Schools, hospitals, and aid camps are under attack with countless bodies lying beneath rubble in Gaza."

The three-day ministerial conference, jointly convened by France and Saudi Arabia, has brought together representatives from 118 countries to chart a way forward for lasting peace in the Middle East, primarily by advancing the two-state solution and addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Bangladesh's Foreign Affairs Adviser also raised concerns about Israel's continued expansion of illegal settlements and the erosion of Palestinian presence in East Jerusalem, stating, "A just and meaningful two-State solution requires a clear and contiguous Palestinian territory."

Referring to the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on July 19, 2024, which found Israel's continued presence in the occupied Palestinian territory unlawful, Touhid called for full compliance with international law and an end to Israel's occupation. He also condemned the use of starvation as a method of warfare in Gaza as "not acceptable."

Touhid welcomed the Arab-Islamic initiative for the reconstruction of Gaza and announced Bangladesh's readiness to participate in the rebuilding process under UN leadership. "We stand ready to join any UN-led efforts for rebuilding Gaza by deploying personnel to support humanitarian and future reconstruction plans," he affirmed.

He further called for the strengthening of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) and the unhindered delivery of essential supplies across Gaza. "Our topmost priority should be executing an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza and to ensure the urgent, sufficient, and unhindered delivery of essential supplies and services throughout the Gaza Strip," he stressed.

The Adviser reiterated Bangladesh's longstanding constitutional commitment to support oppressed peoples in their struggle for self-determination. He drew a parallel between Bangladesh's own Liberation War in 1971 and the recent mass uprising in July and August 2024, stating, "That legacy shapes our empathy and enduring solidarity with the Palestinian people."

The conference is expected to produce a set of recommendations aimed at reviving the Middle East peace process, promoting accountability, and mobilizing support for reconstruction efforts in Gaza, all under the broader goal of realizing Palestinian statehood and lasting regional peace.

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