Bangladesh has urged the Security Council to prevail upon Israel to immediately halt its illegal settlements and violence in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Masud Bin Momen, Bangladesh's Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, has also urged Israel to lift the blockade in the Gaza Strip, and put an end to all forms of occupation and violence.

He came up with the demand in his statement at the Security Council at an Open Debate on Friday on the 'Situation in the Middle East, including the Question of Palestine', said a media release of the Bangladesh Permanent Mission to the UN.

The debate was convened by Kazakhstan, the President of the Security Council.

Mentioning Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's firm position on the question of Palestine, Ambassador Masud said the government and people of Bangladesh remain steadfast in their support for the just and legitimate struggle of the Palestinian people for their inalienable rights, including their right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent, viable, contiguous and sovereign Palestinian State, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in the framework of a two-state solution.

He shared concerns over funding cut for UNRWA which would have grave consequences for millions of Palestinian refugees in a number of host countries.

"We reaffirm the need for ensuring enhanced, predictable and sustainable funding for UNRWA and urge Member States to help uphold UNRWA's ability to make a difference in the lives of Palestinian refugees," he said.

Ambassador Masud stressed giving immediate priority to ensuring international protection for the Palestinian people suffering for decades from the occupying power's policy of collective punishment.

"Bangladesh looks forward to positive signs to emerge from various regional and bilateral initiatives being pursued to address the Palestinian question," he added.

The Ambassador urged the Council to demonstrate the unity of purpose to find peaceful, just and lasting solutions to all protracted conflicts and resulting humanitarian situations around the world, including the Palestinian question.