Palestinian Crisis is a Global Concern, Not Just a Muslim Issue: Dr. Yunus

The ongoing crisis in Palestine is not merely a Muslim issue but a universal problem, said Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor of the interim government.

Dr. Yunus expressed deep concern over the current situation in Palestine during a special session on Thursday (December 19) at the D-8 Summit in Cairo.

Praising the Egyptian government for organizing this special session to address the humanitarian crisis and reconstruction challenges in Gaza and Lebanon, Dr. Yunus remarked, "We have gathered here at a time when Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people in the occupied Gaza Strip and West Bank, coupled with a brutal genocide lasting 14 months, continues unabated. Words can barely capture the gravity of the situation. Even attempting to describe it reveals our profound frustration with Israel’s blatant disregard for longstanding international norms, laws, and conventions. The spread of violence into Lebanon heightens fears of escalating tensions. This poses devastating and long-term consequences for peace and stability across the region, potentially impacting not only the economy but also global society and politics."

Dr. Yunus emphasized, "Palestinians are not a neglected people; every Palestinian life is precious. We must express solidarity with our Palestinian brothers and sisters, reaffirming our unity and unwavering commitment during this existential moment in their history."

Calling for an independent and sovereign Palestine based on pre-1967 borders, he highlighted Bangladesh's historical support for the Palestinian cause. "Bangladesh has consistently stood firm in its condemnation of Israel’s illegal occupation and violent repression. We remain committed to a two-state solution as the path to a just and lasting resolution, where Israel and Palestine coexist in peace and harmony. Palestine must emerge as a fully independent and functional state, with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on the pre-1967 borders."

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Dr. Yunus also referenced Bangladesh’s engagement with the International Court of Justice (ICJ), stating, "In February, we outlined this issue extensively before the ICJ, which declared Israel’s occupation illegal. Both the ICJ's advisory opinion this year and its 2004 opinion provide critical legal grounds for this collective declaration."

He asserted, "This is not merely a Muslim issue but a universal one—where the dignity of humanity itself is being tested. It is a matter of universal commitment to protecting the vulnerable, and undoubtedly, standing by them is our moral duty."

Dr. Yunus condemned the massacres in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon as clear violations of international law and acts of war crimes. He demanded accountability for those responsible, mentioning that in November, Bangladesh called on the International Criminal Court (ICC) for a prompt investigation into these heinous crimes against humanity.

Highlighting the stakes for Bangladesh, Dr. Yunus said, "Approximately 6 million Bangladeshi migrant workers and expatriate professionals live across this region, including Lebanon, contributing significantly to the development of Middle Eastern countries. Their security and well-being are at risk. We urge decisive and collective action from all external partners and stakeholders to put an end to Israeli brutality."

He further stressed the need to prioritize reconstruction efforts in Gaza, the West Bank, and Lebanon beyond immediate humanitarian intervention. "The United Nations has warned that clearing the 40 million tons of debris left by Israeli bombings could take at least 15 years. It is estimated that more than 10,000 bodies may be buried beneath the rubble. Therefore, the D-8 must initiate a process to estimate the reconstruction costs for Palestine and Lebanon, followed by the formulation of international strategies to mobilize resources."

Concluding his remarks, Dr. Yunus extended his gratitude to President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi for his initiative and leadership in organizing the session. "Thank you for this opportunity," he said.