The Coalition for Human Rights & Democracy in Bangladesh (CHRD Bangladesh) strongly condemns the continuation of barbaric Israeli attacks on the 2.3 million Palestinians—half of whom are children– living in a tiny Gaza strip of 141 square miles. Starting the carnage on October 7, 2023, Israel commenced a new phase of intensified air and ground assaults on October 23 on the hapless and shelterless Palestinians, claiming more than 5,000 lives so far, almost half of whom are children. A bomb blast on the Al Ahli Arab Hospital on October 17 killed nearly 500 patients, health caregivers and sheltered refugees. Israel denied its complicity on the hospital bombing. It also claimed that 1,400 people on its side died in the Hamas’ rockets on October 7 that started the current cycle of conflict.
While visiting the region, President Joe Biden mourned the hospital deaths saying, “I am outraged and deeply saddened at the terrible loss of life,” further confirming that US stood “unequivocally for the protection of civilian life during conflict.” On October 22, Hamas released two American hostages who said they were well-treated. Hamas is still said to have more than 2,000 hostages. President Biden said that all hostages must be freed before a ceasefire could be discussed.
Human Rights Watch on October 12, 2023, reported that there was evidence that Israel used white phosphorous in Gaza, in violation of the international law which “prohibits putting civilians at unnecessary risk.” White phosphorus causes the victims to suffer “excruciating burns and lifelong suffering.”
In addition, Israel totally blockaded the Gaza Strip that snapped its essential utilities, including food and relief supplies, adding insurmountable suffering to the victims. Only a few truckloads were recently allowed from Egyptian side of the border.
CHRD Bangladesh reiterates its earlier demand (Ref: https://chrdbangladesh.org/2023/10/17/statement-to-end-israels-devastating-war-against-the-palestinians/) that this maddening carnage must be brought to an immediate end and the concerned authorities, including the UN and US, must seriously engage in finding a just, equitable and lasting solution to the decades old problem. Meanwhile, the suffering Palestinians must be provided with needed essentials for survival.