President of the Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI) and former Ambassador M Humayun Kabir on Saturday said that lasting peace in Gaza cannot be achieved through the unity of the Muslim world alone. He emphasised that genuine and sustained efforts from the international community and the United Nations are indispensable.
Speaking as the chief guest at a shadow parliament debate competition, Ambassador Humayun highlighted the critical role of the UN, which he said is widely recognised as the legitimate authority for maintaining international peace and security.
At least 45 Palestinians killed in Israeli airstrikes across Gaza: Civil Defense
The event was presided over by Debate for Democracy Chairman Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron.
"We need to have joint efforts engaging the international community, UN, and the Muslim world. Without the international community's support, only the Muslim world's unity is not enough," said the former diplomat, noting that what is happening in Gaza is inhumane, barbaric and extremely cruel.
Over 50,000 people have been killed since October 2023, nearly a third of whom are children, according to the Ministry of Health.
Israeli airstrikes kill at Least 25 in Gaza; new U.S. Ambassador Huckabee makes first appearance
Since the resumption of hostilities on 18 March, more than 1,500 people have been killed, according to local authorities.
According to the United Nations, at least 409 aid workers, most of whom were UNRWA staff, the main provider of humanitarian aid in Gaza, have been killed since October 2023.
Ambassador Humayun said the people of Bangladesh and the government have always stood by the oppressed people of Palestine and continue to support their just cause.
At the beginning of the debate, a minute of silence was observed in memory of those killed in the barbaric attack on Palestinians.
In his speech, Chowdhury Kiron said Palestine is in a deep crisis today, and Gaza is swimming in blood.
"No one - women, children, doctors, human rights activists, journalists - is spared from the Israeli genocide. Gaza has been turned into a city. There is no food, no water, no electricity, no medicine, no treatment in the death city of Gaza. The people buried under the rubble are desperate to survive," he said, adding that Gaza has been turned into a mass grave of Palestinians.