Bangladesh has urged the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to prevail upon Israel to immediately halt its illegal settlements and violence in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Masud Bin Momen, Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, has also called on Israel to lift the blockade in the Gaza Strip and put an end to all forms of occupation and violence.
He made the call in his statement at an open debate at the UNSC on Thursday on the ‘Situation in the Middle East, including the Question of Palestine’, according to a message received here today.
The debate was convened by Kazakhstan, the president of the UNSC for this month.
In this connection, the Bangladesh’s permanent representative pointed out Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s firm position on the question of Palestine.
“Under the guidance of our honourable Prime Minister, the government and people of Bangladesh remain steadfast in our support for the just and legitimate struggle of the Palestinian people for their inalienable rights, including their right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent, viable, contiguous and sovereign Palestinian State, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in the framework of a two-state solution,” he said.
Ambassador Masud expressed concern over funding cut for UNRWA which would have ‘grave consequences’ for millions of Palestinian refugees in a number of host countries.
“We reaffirm the need for ensuring enhanced, predictable and sustainable funding for UNRWA and urge Member States to help uphold UNRWA’s ability to make a difference in the lives of Palestinian refugees,” he said.
Ambassador Masud laid stress on giving immediate priority to ensuring international protection for the Palestinian people suffering for decades from the occupying power’s policy of collective punishment.
“Bangladesh looks forward to positive signs to emerge from various regional and bilateral initiatives being pursued to address the Palestinian question,” he said.
The Bangladesh’s permanent representative also urged the UNSC to demonstrate the unity of purpose to find peaceful, just and lasting solutions to all protracted conflicts and resulting humanitarian situations around the world, including the Palestinian question.
