Touhid calls for ceasefire in Gaza

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain has urged an immediate, unconditional ceasefire in Gaza and accountability for crimes against Palestinians.

"We (Bangladesh) reaffirm our steadfast support for the establishment of a viable and independent State of Palestine, based on pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital," he said while speaking at the "High-Level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution" in New York on Tuesday.

The adviser described the current situation in Gaza as "one of the gravest genocides of our time".

Touhid urged the international community to begin implementing the two-state solution without delay, emphasising the urgency to uphold international laws, humanitarian principles, and the UN Charter.

He warned that peace in the Middle East cannot be achieved without justice for the Palestinian people and reiterated Bangladesh's firm position in support of the two-state solution.

"More than 58,000 Palestinians have lost their lives and many more have been injured, most of them women and children," he said. "Schools, hospitals, and aid camps are under attack with countless bodies lying beneath rubble in Gaza."

Touhid emphasised that the implementation of the two-state solution is "the only viable and internationally recognised path forward, based on international law, relevant UN resolutions, and the aspirations of the people of Palestine."

The three-day ministerial conference, jointly convened by France and Saudi Arabia, has brought together representatives from 118 countries, aiming to chart a way forward for lasting peace in the Middle East by advancing the two-state solution and addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The adviser also warned against Israel's continued expansion of illegal settlements and erosion of Palestinian presence in East Jerusalem.

Referring to the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued on July 19, 2024, Touhid called for full compliance with international law and an end to Israel's unlawful occupation.

He strongly condemned the use of starvation as a method of warfare in Gaza.

"We stand ready to join any UN-led efforts for rebuilding Gaza by deploying personnel to support humanitarian and future reconstruction plans," he said.

Touhid reiterated Bangladesh's longstanding constitutional commitment to support oppressed peoples in their struggle for self-determination.