At a special session during the D-8 Summit in Cairo on Thursday (December 19), Interim Government Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus expressed deep concern over the ongoing crisis in Palestine, emphasizing that it is not just a Muslim issue but a universal one. He praised the Egyptian government for organizing the session to address the humanitarian crises and reconstruction challenges in Gaza and Lebanon.

Dr. Yunus highlighted the severe Israeli aggression and atrocities against Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, which have persisted for 14 months. He criticized Israel’s blatant disregard for international norms, laws, and conventions, expressing disappointment over the escalating violence in Lebanon, which threatens regional peace and stability. He underscored that this conflict has far-reaching implications for the global economy, politics, and society.

Calling for solidarity with the Palestinian people, Dr. Yunus reiterated Bangladesh’s unwavering support for an independent, sovereign Palestine based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. He condemned Israel’s occupation and violence, advocating for a two-state solution where both Israel and Palestine could coexist peacefully.

Referring to a presentation Bangladesh made at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) earlier this year, he noted the ICJ’s declaration of Israel’s occupation as illegal, underscoring the need for accountability for war crimes and human rights violations. He emphasized that this is a test of universal commitment to protecting human dignity and defending the oppressed, stressing the moral responsibility to stand with Palestine.

Dr. Yunus also addressed the plight of millions of Bangladeshi expatriate workers in the Middle East, whose safety is at risk due to the conflict. He called for decisive international action to halt Israeli aggression and prioritize reconstruction efforts in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon. He noted that the UN estimates at least 15 years would be needed to clear 40 million tons of debris from Israeli bombings in Gaza, possibly containing over 10,000 bodies.

He urged the D-8 to lead the process of estimating reconstruction costs and formulating international strategies for resource mobilization. Concluding his address, Dr. Yunus expressed gratitude to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi for initiating this important discussion.