Dhaka condemns Israeli land purchase law targeting occupied Palestinian territory
Also urged a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and pressed for unconditional and unhindered humanitarian access to civilians in the Strip.
Bangladesh has denounced Israel's recent annexation of the occupied Palestinian territory, describing it as a move toward annexation and calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman made the remarks while addressing the Open-Ended OIC Executive Committee Meeting of Foreign Ministers in Jeddah. He said the legislation seeks to alter the legal and demographic character of Palestinian land, including Al Quds Al Sharif, according to a press release by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today (27 February).
Referring to Israel's decision to ease land purchases and open land registries in the West Bank, the minister unequivocally condemned the annexation and expressed concern that such measures could expose Palestinian landowners to intimidation and harassment. He said the steps contravene relevant international law.
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Reaffirming Dhaka's longstanding position, Khalilur said the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state under a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, remains the only viable path to resolving the crisis. He rejected the land-related measures and called for the protection of Palestinian land rights.
The foreign minister also urged a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and pressed for unconditional and unhindered humanitarian access to civilians in the Strip.
During his address, he conveyed Ramadan greetings from Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to OIC member states and said Bangladesh's newly elected government looks forward to closer engagement within the OIC member states.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Khalilur held separate talks with his counterparts from Pakistan, Gambia and Palestine, as well as senior officials from Turkey and Saudi Arabia. According to the press release, the leaders congratulated Bangladesh on its recent general elections and expressed interest in expanding cooperation with the new government.
Discussions covered foreign policy priorities, trade and investment, the Rohingya issue, and strengthening the effectiveness of the OIC Secretariat. The leaders also voiced support for Bangladesh's candidature for the presidency of the 81st UN General Assembly.
The foreign minister was accompanied by Adviser for Foreign Affairs to the Prime Minister Humaiun Kobir, Secretary (Inter-Governmental Organisations) M Forhadul Islam, and Bangladesh's Permanent Representative to the OIC, MJH Jabed.
