Speakers at a roundtable on Thursday discussed the complexities in the Middle East, underscoring the need for international cooperation and diplomatic efforts to bring about a just and lasting resolution.

Distinguished Fellow at BIPSS and former Foreign Advisor to the government of Bangladesh Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury highlighted the complexities of Middle East politics, the vacuum created by the U.S. shift to the Asia-Pacific, and subsequent re-engagement through shuttle diplomacy.

He emphasized the need for global community involvement and the United Nations' potential role, citing the R2P principle.

Dr Iftekhar suggested that the current crisis might be an excellent case for the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) principle.

Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS) hosted the roundtable discussion on the topic 'Turbulence in the Middle East: Understanding the Implications' at The Westin, Dhaka.

The moderator of the roundtable was Major General ANM Muniruzzaman (retd), President, BIPSS and the expert panelists were Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury and Assistant Professor Parvez Karim Abbasi, Department of Economics, East-West University.

The event brought together esteemed panelists and experts to dissect the ongoing crisis in Gaza, triggered by the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas, and its far-reaching implications on the Middle East and the global geopolitical landscape.

Muniruzzaman opened the roundtable by emphasizing the unprecedented nature of the crisis in Gaza.

He underscored the severe implications not only for the Middle East but for the international system at large. It will also change the general strategic landscape in the region.

Even international initiatives that were taken are also coming into question like the Abraham Accord or the implementation of IMEC.

General Muniruzzaman highlighted the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza, expressing Bangladesh's unwavering solidarity with the people of Palestine.

He stressed the importance of analyzing and understanding the conflict to prevent future crises.

Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury delved into the historical background of the Israel-Palestine conflict, providing insights into the Arab-Israeli Peace process.

He expressed concern over the disproportionate reaction from Israel since the October 7 attack, leading to massive casualties and suffering.

Parvez Karim Abbasi shed light on lesser-known aspects of Israel's actions and their ramifications in the Middle East.

He discussed how Netanyahu's government's actions undermined the Palestinian authority, leading to the rise of Hamas.

Professor Abbasi pointed out internal issues in Israel, such as racial and social discrimination, income disparity, and divisions.

He highlighted the rise of settler attacks in the West Bank, often overlooked amid the focus on Gaza. Professor Abbasi stressed the importance of a fair and just agreement between Israel and Palestine for lasting peace in the region.

Palestinian Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yousef Ramadan provided a historical perspective on Palestine, emphasizing the harmony among Muslims, Jews, and Christians in ancient times.

He rejected the notion of a religious problem, attributing the issue to the rise of Zionism and the Balfour Declaration.

The Ambassador highlighted the dire humanitarian condition in Gaza mentioning the 6000 people still under the rubble. He called for global awareness and a commitment to justice in resolving the Palestinian issue.

The roundtable concluded with a dynamic interactive session addressing various aspects of the crisis, including questions on international law, Israel's indiscriminate attacks, the significance of the October 7th attack, the role of the Security Council, and the prospects of a two-state solution.

Diplomats based in Dhaka, former Ambassadors, representatives from international organizations, academician, and students attended the roundtable.