New York, 27 October 2023: In the last three weeks, the Security Council has repeatedly failed to take decision regarding humanitarian ceasefire despite having series of meetings. After continuous failure of the Security Council- the body which has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution, with 2/3^rd majority, calling for humanitarian truce in Gaza.

Since last 7^th October, more than 7000 civilians including 3500 children have been killed in the Gaza strip due to heinous and barbaric attack by Israel. More than one million people have been displaced. In the last 20 days, several proposals were tabled in the Security Council. However, not a single proposal succeeded to pass.  Finally, today, in the resumed 10^th Emergency Special Session of UN General Assembly, a resolution with proposal of humanitarian truce has been adopted with 2/3^rd majority. In the voting, 121 countries voted in favour of the resolution while 14 voted against and 45 countries abstained.

The Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations, Ambassador Muhammad Abdul Muhit represented Bangladesh in the voting. After the adoption of the resolution, Ambassador Muhittold“Instruction of Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Palestine issue is very clear. In her statement delivered in the high-level of 78th UNGA, she strongly urged the international community to work together to realize the rights of the people of Palestine and reiterated Bangladesh’s unflinching commitment to the inalienable rights of the people of Palestine”. According to the kind instruction of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Bangladesh voted in favour of this resolution.

Ambassador Muhit also mentioned “We have not only voted yes for the resolution, but also played instrumental role in organizing this emergency session.  When the Security Council fails to adopt any resolution regarding the maintenance of international peace and security, it becomes urgent to hold emergency session in the General Assembly. In this regard, we sent written letter to President of the General Assembly to hold that emergency session. We mobilized support for the resolution. Earlier, in the Security Council Open Debates, we reiterated Bangladesh’s unwavering support to Palestine and urged all the permanent and non-permanent members of the Council to work together for immediate humanitarian ceasefire”.

Bangladesh will continue to extendunwavering and steadfast support for the inalienable rights of the Palestinian brothers and sisters for a just and lasting solution to their legitimate aspirations through the establishment of an independent, viable, and sovereign Palestinian State.

The main focus of the UNGA resolution was immediate truce; immediate, continuous, sufficient and unhindered provision of essential goods and services to civilians throughout the Gaza Strip; and protection of civilians and civilian objects, as well as the protection of humanitarian personnel, persons hors de combat, and humanitarian facilities and assets. The resolution also called for the rescinding of the order by Israel, the occupying Power; firmly rejected any attempts at forced transfer of the Palestinian civilian population and called for the immediate and unconditional release of all civilians who are being illegally held captive. It also referred to the two-State solution as a basis of just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Mentionable, an amendment proposal to the resolution which proposed to condemn Hamas for attacking on 07 October was tabled by Canada. However, the amendment proposal was failed to get adopted due to lack of support from the majority (2/3rd) of the member States as it did not refer to the horrific crimes being committed by Israeli Defence forces. – Press Release