Accra: Dr Varsen O. V. Aghabekian, Palestinian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, has called on global leaders to ensure an absolute Israeli ceasefire in Palestine. She emphasized that since the ceasefire agreement was signed, approximately 400 Palestinians have been killed, with twice as many injured.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr Aghabekian addressed Ghanaian journalists at the Embassy of the State of Palestine during her inaugural visit to Accra, stating, "The attacks are ongoing, and the situation remains volatile. What we are asking for is a complete ceasefire where there are no more attacks." She also highlighted that Israel continues to restrict humanitarian assistance to Palestine and that illegal Israeli settlers persistently terrorize Palestinians in the West Bank.
Dr Aghabekian further described the ongoing violations, saying, "Today we see trees uprooted, homes demolished, people attacked, orchards set on fire, and various forms of violations of human rights continue. In East Jerusalem, there is encroachment, ensuring that there is no access to West Bankers and Gazans to East Jerusalem."
Addressing reports regarding the mortal remains handed over by Hamas to Israel, Dr Aghabekian clarified that nearly all Israeli captives have been returned, but the extensive destruction in Gaza has complicated the identification and retrieval of some remains. She added that Israel continues to detain 11,000 Palestinians, most of whom she describes as political prisoners held without trial under the pretext of administrative detention.
"Our end goal is peace and security with our neighbors, including Israel. Israel is a state recognized by Palestine, and Israel needs to respect the rights and sovereignty of its neighbors, including the state of Palestine," Dr Aghabekian stated. She referenced the New York Declaration, which outlines the steps necessary for Palestine to achieve full sovereignty and independence and urged countries that endorsed it to act swiftly.
During her visit, Dr Aghabekian aimed to strengthen bilateral cooperation and advance political consultations, with several memoranda of understanding planned in areas of mutual interest. She also laid a wreath at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park to honor Ghana's first President, acknowledging Ghana's long-standing support for Palestine.
Additionally, Dr Aghabekian expressed appreciation for President John Dramani Mahama, Mr. Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa, and Mr. Kwesi Pratt Jr. for their support against what she described as two years of Israeli aggression. Mr. Pratt Jr., present at the press conference, received a citation and medal of appreciation from President Mahmoud Abbas for his advocacy on behalf of the Palestinian people. He remarked, "I did not engage in Palestinian solidarity campaigns for any reward. I did so out of commitment because that is the right thing for all human beings to do. However, the show of appreciation is deep, and I accept this honor on behalf of all Ghanaian journalists and all members of the solidarity campaign."