Dhaka decries Israel’s settlements expansion
Dhaka has strongly condemned Israel’s plan to advance settlement construction in the E1 area of the occupied West Bank, saying such actions undermine international law and prospects for a viable two-state solution.
In a statement on Thursday, the Bangladesh government said Israel’s settlement activities were contrary to international law and relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
It said the planned construction further undermined the territorial integrity of the occupied Palestinian territory and posed a threat to efforts towards establishing an independent Palestinian state.
“Bangladesh strongly condemns Israel’s plan to advance settlement construction in the E1 area of the occupied West Bank,” the statement said.
Bangladesh called upon Israel to immediately halt all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory.
It also reiterated its “unwavering support” for the legitimate and inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to establish an independent and sovereign State of Palestine on the basis of the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Dhaka urged the international community to intensify diplomatic efforts to prevent actions that could undermine Palestinian statehood.
It also called for greater international efforts to advance a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East based on international law and the two-state solution.
“Bangladesh stands in solidarity with the people of Palestine,” the statement said, reaffirming the country’s commitment to supporting the Palestinian people’s aspirations for freedom, dignity, justice and statehood.
During the call on, Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Bangladesh Yousef SY Ramadan thanked Bangladesh for its continued support for the people of Palestine and the Palestinian cause.
The State Minister reaffirmed Bangladesh’s strong and unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights.
He expressed deep concern over Israel’s plan to expand settlements in the E1 area of the occupied West Bank, stressing that such actions are contrary to international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
The two sides also discussed the situation in Gaza and ongoing bilateral cooperation in different sectors.
