New York:Bangladesh has urged the international community to take immediate action to end the Israeli occupation, illegal settlement expansion, and human rights abuses in Palestine, while expressing steadfast solidarity with the Palestinian people's right to self-determination.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Bangladesh's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Irene Khan, made these remarks during an open debate at the UN Security Council on "The Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question."
Ambassador Khan expressed serious concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, condemning the ongoing suffering of Palestinian civilians and the intensifying actions by Israel in the occupied territories. She highlighted the growing issues of land confiscation, violence, and illegal settlement expansion in the West Bank and Jerusalem, criticizing the Security Council's inaction that she said has allowed Israel to operate with impunity.
The ambassador called on the Security Council to take decisive actions to stop annexation, forced displacement, and human rights violations in the occupied Palestinian areas. She emphasized the need for accountability for breaches of international law and the protection of Palestinian rights.
Reaffirming Bangladesh's consistent support for the Palestinian cause, Ambassador Khan reiterated Dhaka's commitment to the Palestinian right to self-determination. She also stressed the importance of ensuring continuous humanitarian aid to Palestinians and urged full respect for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
Ambassador Khan also addressed the wider Middle East situation, condemning Israeli actions in Syria and Lebanon and expressing concern over their regional implications. She emphasized the necessity of a robust UN presence in Lebanon and offered Bangladesh's support.
Furthermore, she condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabian airports, which resulted in civilian casualties, including Bangladeshi workers, stressing the threats these attacks pose to civilian safety and regional security. Ambassador Khan urged all parties to exercise restraint, protect civilians, and adhere to international humanitarian law, advocating for collective efforts to prevent escalation and promote peace in the Middle East.