Bangladesh has called for urgent international action to end Israeli occupation, illegal settlement expansion and human rights violations in Palestine, reaffirming its unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people and their right to self-determination.
Bangladesh's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Irene Khan made the call while addressing the UN Security Council's open debate on "The Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question" in New York on Friday, according to a press release received here on Saturday.
Expressing grave concern over the humanitarian devastation in Gaza, she strongly condemned the continuing suffering of Palestinian civilians and escalating Israeli actions in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Ambassador Khan also voiced deep concern over increasing land confiscation, violence and illegal settlement expansion in the West Bank and Jerusalem, stating that the deadlock in the Security Council has enabled Israel to operate with impunity.
The Bangladesh envoy urged the Security Council to take decisive measures to halt annexation, forced displacement and human rights violations, while stressing the need to ensure accountability for violations of international law.
Reaffirming Bangladesh's longstanding position, Khan said Dhaka remained firmly committed to supporting the Palestinian people's inalienable right to self-determination and called for uninterrupted humanitarian assistance alongside full respect for UNRWA's mandate.
Turning to the broader Middle East, Khan condemned Israeli attacks and occupation in Syria and Lebanon, expressing concern over regional stability and offering Bangladesh's support for an adequate United Nations presence in Lebanon.
The Bangladesh envoy also strongly condemned deadly Houthi attacks on airports in Saudi Arabia that caused civilian casualties, including among Bangladeshi migrant workers, noting the threat such attacks pose to regional security.
Ambassador Khan urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint, protect civilians, uphold international humanitarian law, and engage in collective international efforts to promote lasting peace in the Middle East.
Why it matters
The statement highlights Bangladesh's active diplomatic positioning at the United Nations regarding international peace, human rights, and the safety of its overseas workers.