Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today (25 November) issued a message on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.
In his message, the CA said, on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People Bangladesh joins the international community in reaffirming her persistent and unwavering commitment to the realisation of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian People to self- determination to achieve an independent, sovereign and viable State of Palestine on the basis of the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
He said, "We have consistently stood by the Palestinian people in their just struggle for self- determination and statehood, and have raised our voice on every occasion to condemn Israel's systematic and gross violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in Gaza and the West Bank, notably the wanton killing of civilians, including women and children, indiscriminate attacks on hospitals and schools, colossal destruction of property, large-scale displacement and the illegal evictions and occupation of Palestinian land, which have reached the highest point ever in time."
Prof Yunus said, "Our commitment to this just cause is deeply ingrained in our own history of struggle for freedom, justice and self-determination in 1971. And most recently through last year's July Uprising where the youth-led movement showed us the voice of unity for anti-discrimination, liberty, freedom of expression, human dignity and solidarity of purpose to prevail over a regime that ruled through oppression and tyranny."
He said, "In this spirit, we welcome the ongoing efforts to achieve ceasefire, bring peace and finally end the war in the Gaza Strip. At the same time, we remain deeply concerned about reports of ceasefire violations by the Israeli occupying forces amid ongoing diplomatic initiatives. We hope that countries that are supporting Israel in its war efforts would revisit their decisions."
He said, "We strongly condemn the Israeli Knesset's recent attempt to impose so-called "Israeli sovereignty" over the West Bank, a clear breach of international law, the UN Charter and relevant UN Security Council resolutions. We also need to remain engaged with the justice and accountability processes at the ICC and ICJ, which are essential for adjudicating cases related to crimes against humanity and genocide committed by Israel."
The CA said, "We welcome the decision by several countries this year to formally recognise the State of Palestine and stand by the peace process. We hope that countries those have not yet recognized Palestine will extend their recognition soon."
He said, "On this day, we reiterate that the only way to a just and lasting peace in the region lies in the implementation of the two-state solution and the recognition of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, consistent with relevant UN resolutions and international law. The international community must also unite and express its solidarity with the Palestinian people."