By Patrick Ofoe Nudzi, GNA
Accra, Dec. 14, GNA – Dr Varsen O. V. Aghabekian, Palestinian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, says global leaders must ensure that Israel adheres to the ceasefire in Palestine.
She said since the ceasefire agreement was signed, about 400 Palestinians had been murdered and a double of the number had also been injured.
Addressing Ghanaian journalists at the Embassy of the State of Palestine on her first visit to Accra, Ghana, Dr Aghabekian, said: “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 said Israel continued to limit humanitarian assistance entering the land of Palestine, adding that illegal Israeli settlers persistently terrorised Palestinian lives daily in the West Bank.
“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,” the Foreign Minister said.
Speaking about reports that mortal remains handed over by Hamas to Israel were not the exact hostages, she said they had handed over almost all Israeli captives, adding that the level of destruction in Gaza had made it almost impossible for some remains to be identified and retrieved.
The Foreign Minister said Israel continued to keep 11,000 Palestinian in detention camps.
Most of these detainees are being held for political reasons, having not been charged for any crime but held under what Israel describes as administrative detention.
“Our end goal is peace and security with our neighbours including Israel. Israel is a state that has been recognised by Palestine, and Israel needs to respect the rights and the sovereignty of its neighbours including that of the state of Palestine,” she added.
Dr Aghabekian said the New York Declaration had stipulated clearly what needed to be done to take Palestine from where it is today to become a sovereignty and independent State and called on all countries that endorsed the Declaration to act swiftly and strictly.
The purpose of her visit is to strengthen bilateral cooperation between Ghana and Palestine, aiming at further political consultations. She would also sign some memorandum of understanding (MoU) in various areas that would be of interest to both countries.
The Foreign Minister as part of appreciation of the long-standing ties between the two countries and the invaluable support from Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first President, laid a wreath to honour Nkrumah’s memory at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park.
She also commended President John Dramani Mahama, Mr Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa and Mr Kwesi Pratt Jr., for their unwavering support against the two year Israeli aggression against the people of the State of Palestine.
Mr Pratt Jr., who was at the press conference, was honoured with a citation and medal of appreciation from Mr Mahmoud Abbas, President of the State of Palestine, for his relentless advocacy and support to the Palestinian people.
He said: “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 honour on behalf of all Ghanaian journalists and all members of the solidarity campaign.”
GNA
14 Dec. 2025
Edited by Samuel Osei-Frempong