Israel must end its continued illegal occupation of the Palestinian territory, unlawful settlement activities, and annexation, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has said.
Virtually addressing a special session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on the deteriorating human rights situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem in Geneva on Thursday, he strongly condemned the illegal and belligerent actions by Israel against the Palestinians, according to the Foreign Ministry.
“The UNHRC must take decisive action towards ensuring accountability and justice for all violations of international law in the Occupied Palestinian Territory,” the minister added.
Also Read - OP-ED: Arabs have failed the Palestinians
He regretted that impunity and the subdued response of the international community only emboldened the occupying forces.
“The recent ceasefire must not be an excuse for us to cast off the weight of responsibility from our shoulders,” he said
Highlighting the importance of accountability and justice, the foreign minister recommended the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) role as well as the council’s action including through a Commission of Inquiry.
He also urged international community to render humanitarian assistance to the Palestinians.
Dr Momen laid emphasis on a UN system-wide coordinated approach and meaningful action by the UN Security Council for a permanent solution of the crisis.
