New York, Sep 19 (V7N)– The United Nations General Assembly's 10th Emergency Special Session has adopted a significant resolution affirming the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) advisory opinion, which declared Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories as illegal under international law.

The resolution, tabled by Palestine, was co-sponsored by 53 countries, including Bangladesh. The adoption took place yesterday through a vote, with 124 countries supporting the resolution, 14 opposing, and 43 abstaining. As a co-sponsor, Bangladesh voted in favor.

During the debate, Bangladesh's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Muhammad Abdul Muhith, delivered the national statement, welcoming the ICJ's advisory opinion as historic. He urged all member states to respect the ruling.

Ambassador Muhith also voiced Bangladesh’s deep concern over the ongoing violence and high casualties in Gaza, calling for an immediate ceasefire in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2728. He stressed that the two-state solution, based on Palestine’s pre-1967 borders, is the only viable path to lasting peace in the Middle East.

In addition, the Bangladeshi representative praised the roles of the ICJ and the International Criminal Court (ICC) in holding Israel accountable for illegal occupation and crimes in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. He also acknowledged the UN Secretary-General and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights for their statements on the dire humanitarian and human rights situation in Gaza.

The resolution calls on Israel to end its unlawful presence in Palestine, marking the first step towards ending its military campaign in Gaza. It also demands the establishment of an international mechanism for reparations related to damages caused by Israel’s actions in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

The resolution further urges accountability for crimes committed by Israel, particularly under the Fourth Geneva Convention on the protection of civilians, and requests the UN Secretary-General to provide a report on its implementation.

Additionally, the General Assembly has agreed to hold an international conference within a year to explore pathways toward the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, aiming to resolve the Middle East crisis through the implementation of the two-state solution.

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