Bangladesh Condemns Israeli Settlement Plan in West Bank

DHAKA: Bangladesh has strongly condemned Israel’s plan to advance settlement construction in the E1 area of the occupied West Bank, saying the move violates international law and threatens prospects for a viable two-state solution.

In a statement issued today, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the planned settlement expansion was contrary to international law and relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.

The ministry said the proposed construction would further undermine the territorial integrity of the occupied Palestinian territory and diminish prospects for the establishment of a viable and sovereign Palestinian state. Bangladesh called on Israel to immediately halt all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory.

Dhaka also reaffirmed 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 based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Bangladesh urged the international community to intensify diplomatic efforts to prevent actions that could undermine Palestinian statehood and 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 and remains committed to supporting their legitimate aspirations for freedom, dignity, justice and statehood,” the statement said.