Bangladesh has strongly condemned Israel’s plan to advance settlement construction in the E1 area of the occupied West Bank, saying such actions violate international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

In a statement on Thursday (10 September), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the move would further undermine the territorial integrity of the occupied Palestinian territory and diminish prospects for a viable two-state solution.

Dhaka called on Israel to immediately halt all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory and reiterated its “unwavering support” for the legitimate and inalienable rights of the Palestinian people.

Bangladesh reaffirmed its support for the establishment of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine on the basis of the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

It also urged the international community to step up diplomatic efforts to prevent actions that could undermine Palestinian statehood and to promote 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.