Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina reiterates stance against Israeli plan for control over Gaza

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has reiterated her firm stance against any Israeli plan for control over any part of Gaza, no expulsion of the Gazans from their own territory and no rejection of Palestinian rights to a separate and independent state alongside Israel. 

In a letter sent to President of the State of Palestine Mahmoud Abbas, the premier said, "I avail this opportunity to convey my sincerest condolences to the government and brotherly people of Palestine for the tragic loss of innocent lives including children, women and men during the unabated Israel's genocide in Gaza and west Bank since October 8, 2023".

"I acknowledge the receipt of your letter addressed to me delivered through your envoy and General Secretary of Fatah Central Committee on March 19, 2024," she added. 

Sheikh Hasina restated her call for a long term ceasefire and urged all concerned to exercise restraint to protect civilian's lives and infrastructures. 

She said, "I am aware of the Israeli Prime Minister's "Day After" post war plan for Gaza and endorse your grave concerns over it. The plan is contempt to the rights of the Palestinian people and violation of the International Law and Accords". 

The premier said it is disappointing to see that the plan fails to provide any tangible pathway to this protracted conflict rather it aims at suppressing the legitimate national aspirations of the Palestinians in Gaza while perpetuating Israeli control over the land. 

"In this context, we reiterate our firm position that we are dead against any Israeli plan for reoccupation of any part of Gaza, no expulsion of the Gazans from their own territory, no reduction of the Gaza territory, no restriction on UNRWA's ability to implement its mandate, and no rejection of Palestinian rights to a separate and independent state alongside Israel," said Sheikh Hasina.

She said, "We also hold that military means is not a solution to this conflict. Building on the UN Security Council Resolutions and the International Court of Justice order, it is time to implement a credible process to resolve the ongoing crisis, which could only be achieved through a two-state solution with Palestinians and Israelites living side by side." 

The premier said, "As a nation which has suffered occupation, and genocide, we truly feel the plight of the occupied and persecuted Palestinians. Thus, we extend our full solidarity with people of Palestine on international platforms, condemning the Israeli occupation and advocating for a just resolution based on international law". 

She said, "As Muslim brothers, we would continue to remain committed and steadfast in our support to your legitimate aspiration for independent statehood along with 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. In this context, we reiterate our pledge to support your endeavors in obtaining full membership of Palestine in the United Nations through our advocacy in all international forums and beyond".

She said, "Upholding justice, peace and harmony is a core teaching of Islam and all great religions. It is what we consider an anti-dote to all conflicts and sufferings".