Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has said the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) should make a concrete initiative to achieve a lasting solution to the Palestinian crisis. The Foreign Minister was addressing an extraordinary meeting of the NAM Committee on Palestine held on Tuesday. Recalling the unflinching support expressed by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman for the just struggle of the Palestinian people, Dr Momen reiterated Bangladesh’s solidarity and continued commitment in support of the inalienable rights of the Palestinians to self-determination, independence, statehood and sovereignty. He expressed deep concern over the recent violation of ceasefire and indiscriminate attacks carried out by the Israeli forces on innocent Palestinians. “Failure of the international community to resolve the Palestinian crisis has led to a protracted situation in the Middle East.” Also read: Bangladesh always with Palestinians, reaffirms PM Dr Momen called for immediate action to hold Israel accountable for its flagrant violations of international laws, norms and principles. “NAM’s support to the ongoing investigation by the International Criminal Court is of utmost importance,” he added. The Foreign Minister called upon NAM to redouble its efforts for a just, durable and peaceful solution of this long-lingering crisis. Also read: Palestinians, settlers clash in tense Jerusalem neighborhood He also urged it to ensure adequate assistance for meeting the urgent humanitarian needs of the Palestinians, including their need for Covid-19 vaccines. Dr Momen participated in the ministerial meeting of the NAM Committee on Palestine convened on Tuesday. The Foreign Minister of Palestine, Foreign Ministers of Indonesia, Algeria, Cuba, Egypt, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Malaysia were, among others, attended the event.

Permanent Representative (PR) of Bangladesh to the UN Ambassador Rabab Fatima has urged the international community to take urgent and decisive action to resolve the longstanding crisis in Palestine.  She was speaking at the joint debate on the situation in the Middle East and the question of Palestine on Thursday convened by the President of the UN General Assembly. Ambassador Fatima informed the General Assembly that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in a letter to Palestinian President Mahmood Abbas, denounced the abhorrent acts of violence against innocent civilians of Palestine, including women and children.  Also read: Hasina a household name in Palestine: Envoy Quoting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, she reaffirmed Bangladesh’s unflinching commitment towards realising the inalienable rights of the people of Palestine for an independent homeland, based on the pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. In a strong call to the General Assembly, Bangladesh Ambassador asked for an immediate halt to the Israeli aggression and deplored repetition of such senseless cycles of violence and atrocities by the occupying Israeli forces.  Ambassador Fatima highlighted some priorities towards a comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the Palestinian crisis and peace in the region, which included, the genuine efforts of the international community to address the root causes of the crisis and the fulfillment of the charter responsibilities by the Security Council and the General Assembly to turn around the culture of inaction and enforce compliance of all international human rights and humanitarian laws, and relevant UN resolutions, including resolution 2334 (2016).  She also called for engaging with all relevant actors to ensure early implementation of the Roadmap, Arab Peace Initiative and the efforts of the Quartet.  Also read: Gaza attack: Dhaka seeks US’ proactive role to stop bloodshed Stressing that the humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people must be met urgently, Ambassador Fatima suggested to further strengthen the capacity of UNRWA.  Underscoring the importance of ensuring the accountability of the occupying Israeli forces, she said that it could be a first step towards guaranteeing justice and lasting peace in the Middle East. More than 100 UN Member States participated in the day-long Joint Debate which was also addressed by the UN Secretary General and President of the General Assembly.  All speakers called for an immediate ceasefire in the Palestinian territory and an urgent resolution to the Palestinian crisis.