The United Nations General Assembly, during its 10th Emergency Special Session, adopted a landmark resolution endorsing the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) advisory opinion, which declared Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian territories as illegal under international law. The resolution, initiated by Palestine, garnered the co-sponsorship of 53 countries, including Bangladesh, as per a statement received today.
The resolution was passed on Wednesday through a vote, with 124 countries in favor, 14 against, and 43 abstaining. Bangladesh, as a co-sponsor, voted in favor of the resolution.
During the debate at the General Assembly, Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Muhammad Abdul Muhith, delivered the nation’s statement. Muhith praised the ICJ’s advisory opinion, describing it as historic, and urged all member states to comply with the ruling. He also expressed deep concern over the ongoing violence and high civilian casualties in Gaza, calling for an immediate ceasefire, referencing UN Security Council resolution 2728.
Ambassador Muhith emphasized that a two-state solution, based on the pre-1967 borders of Palestine, is the only viable path to achieving lasting peace in the Middle East. He commended the roles played by the ICJ and the International Criminal Court in holding Israel accountable for illegal occupation and atrocity crimes in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
The permanent representative also acknowledged the efforts of the UN Secretary-General and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, who have addressed the severe humanitarian and human rights crisis unfolding in Gaza.
The resolution, in line with the ICJ’s recent verdict, calls on Israel to cease its illegal presence in Palestine, marking the first step toward ending its military campaign in Gaza. It further advocates for the creation of an international mechanism to provide reparations for damages, losses, or injuries resulting from Israel’s internationally wrongful actions in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
Additionally, the resolution requests the UN Secretary-General to submit a report on the implementation of these directives. It also emphasizes the need for accountability regarding atrocity crimes committed by Israel, particularly in light of the Fourth Geneva Convention on the protection of civilians during conflict.
The General Assembly has also resolved to convene an international conference within the next year, aimed at finding a pathway to establishing an independent Palestinian state. This resolution is widely seen as a significant step toward resolving the Middle East crisis through the implementation of the two-state solution.
