Israel-Palestine War and Bangladesh’s Stance

 

In recent weeks, the world has watched in dismay as the conflict between Israel and Hamas has escalated to unprecedented levels of destruction and loss of life. The ongoing war in the Gaza Strip has led to countless Palestinian casualties and widespread devastation, raising global concerns about the region's future. The Israel-Palestine conflict is a long-standing and deeply complex issue, marked by a history of occupation, displacement, and conflict. To understand the current state of affairs, it is crucial to delve into the historical context of how Jews came to occupy Palestine and the subsequent persecution of the original Palestinian inhabitants over the past 75 years.

While the modern state of Israel was officially established in 1948, the roots of this conflict date back to the late 19th century when the Zionist movement, which sought to establish a Jewish homeland in Palestine, gained momentum. The movement's ambitions found support in the Balfour Declaration of 1917, in which the British government expressed its support for the establishment of a national home for the Jewish people in Palestine. This declaration laid the groundwork for the eventual establishment of the state of Israel.

In 1947, the United Nations proposed a partition plan that would divide Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states, with Jerusalem placed under international administration. The plan was accepted by Jewish leaders but rejected by Arab leaders, leading to the outbreak of the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. During the conflict, Jewish forces captured significant portions of territory, leading to the establishment of the state of Israel. This event, known as the Nakba or "catastrophe," resulted in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians.

The aftermath of the 1948 war marked the beginning of the Palestinian refugee crisis. Palestinians who fled or were expelled from their homes during the conflict found themselves in refugee camps, and many are still awaiting the right of return to this day.In the following years, Israel continued to expand its territory through further conflicts, including the Six-Day War in 1967. As a result, Israel occupied the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem. The Israeli government also initiated a policy of establishing settlements in these occupied territories, which remains a major point of contention in the conflict.

The decades-long Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, particularly in Gaza, has resulted in immeasurable suffering. The region is plagued by human rights abuses, economic hardships, and infrastructural devastation. Innocent lives have been lost, families shattered, and generations scarred by the ongoing conflict. The United States has been a steadfast ally of Israel, providing it with extensive military and financial support. This assistance has enabled Israel to maintain its military dominance in the region, a factor contributing to the continuation of hostilities.

The Israel-Palestine conflict is more than a geopolitical issue; it is a moral concern that resonates with people worldwide. A significant segment of the global population has voiced its solidarity with the Palestinian cause, emphasizing the need for justice, equality, and human rights. Bangladesh, under Sheikh Hasina's leadership, has expressed its solidarity with the Palestinian people during times of crisis. In the face of recent escalations in violence, Bangladesh condemned the disproportionate use of force and civilian casualties. Prime Minister Hasina reiterated the importance of a just and lasting solution to the conflict, emphasizing the need for international support to achieve this goal.

Bangladesh's support for Palestine is not just a foreign policy decision; it is a reflection of its principles and a continuation of the legacy of supporting the oppressed and advocating for justice. Sheikh Hasina's government remains committed to this cause, making it clear that Bangladesh's support for Palestine is not just a historical gesture but an enduring commitment to the rights and aspirations of the Palestinian people. Bangladesh's unwavering support for Palestine, reaffirmed by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, reflects the country's dedication to global peace, justice, and human rights. The historical ties between Bangladesh and Palestine, coupled with the principled stance of the government, make it evident that this support will persist. As Bangladesh continues to engage with international efforts to address the Israel-Palestine conflict, it reinforces its commitment to a just and peaceful resolution that respects the rights of all parties involved. Bangladesh's solidarity with Palestine is not just symbolic but a tangible expression of its foreign policy principles, shaped by historical empathy and a belief in justice and self-determination.

However, it is a matter of regret that in the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, a stark contrast emerges between the ruling Awami League, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), whose stance on the issue has been notably silent. This silence from the BNP, the main opposition party in Bangladesh, raises questions about its position and indirectly hints at a perspective that warrants examination. While the Awami League government, under Prime Minister Hasina, has been proactive in condemning the violence and human rights abuses in Palestine, BNP's response has been conspicuously muted. In the face of a humanitarian crisis, the silence of an opposition party that aspires to lead the nation speaks volumes.

The absence of a clear stance on the Israel-Palestine issue from the BNP has sparked debates about its tacit support for American and, consequently, Israeli interests. Historically, the United States has been a staunch ally of Israel, providing it with significant military and financial assistance. BNP's silence indirectly aligns with American policies in the Middle East, thereby raising suspicions of the party's foreign policy orientations. However, it is crucial for any political party, especially one with aspirations to govern, to have a clear foreign policy stance. The Israel-Palestine issue is an international concern with significant implications for global politics. An absence of a declared position can raise doubts about the party's readiness for foreign policy challenges, which are an integral aspect of governance.

The Israel-Palestine issue is a complex and sensitive matter that reverberates on the international stage. In the midst of the deadly conflict, where the cries for justice and peace are echoing globally and the suffering in Gaza is calling for voices of compassion, empathy, and solidarity, regardless of local political dynamics, BNP’s uncomfortable silence must not be welcomed by the people of Bangladesh. And it becomes essential to scrutinize the implications of such reticence particularly in the context of the Israeli occupation in Gaza and US assistance to it.

The silence of BNP becomes more perplexing as the crises in Gaza continue to escalate. Innocent Palestinians, including children and women, are bearing the brunt of a violent conflict that needs urgent resolution. As the casualties mount and the international community demands an end to hostilities, the silence of a political party becomes a matter of public concern. In a world crying out for peace and justice, the Israel-Palestine conflict remains a symbol of division and pain. BNP's silence on this issue underscores the party's absence in a global call for a more equitable and peaceful world.

As countries and leaders grapple with how to respond, Bangladesh has taken a clear and resolute stance in support of Palestine. Bangladesh's position on the Israel-Palestine conflict is grounded in its historical commitment to the principles of justice, humanitarianism, and the pursuit of peace. The nation's stance is reflective of the collective sentiment of the Bangladeshi people who, having endured their own struggles for independence and human rights, empathize deeply with the suffering of the Palestinian people.

While political considerations may explain BNP's reluctance to take a clear stance on the Israel-Palestine issue, it is essential to remember that the conflict is not merely an international matter. It is a humanitarian crisis of monumental proportions, and the suffering of the people in Gaza deserves global compassion and solidarity. In the context of the Israel-Palestine crisis, BNP's silence has a reverberating effect, both nationally and internationally, as it is perceived as a failure to align with the calls for justice and peace that resonate across the globe.

Furthermore, Bangladesh has been vocal in its support for a two-state solution that would recognize the rights and aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians. The nation believes that a peaceful coexistence is the only viable path forward, where both nations can live side by side in security, dignity, and mutual respect. Bangladesh has also extended a helping hand to Palestinians by providing humanitarian aid. In the wake of the latest escalation in violence, Bangladesh has contributed medical supplies and financial assistance to assist those affected by the conflict.

As a matter of fact, Bangladesh has been contributing to United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) for Palestine refugees since 2018 and for the year 2023, it has pledged a voluntary contribution of $50,000 to the UNRWA for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA)" for the year 2023. This action exemplifies Bangladesh's commitment to humanitarian principles and its solidarity with the Palestinian people during these trying times.

It is important to note that Bangladesh's stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict aligns closely with the sentiments of its people. The citizens of Bangladesh have shown tremendous empathy for the plight of the Palestinians, organizing rallies and demonstrations to express their solidarity. This grassroots support has found its reflection in the nation's official stance. BNP's silence on this grave issue, with its weighty consequences, can be perceived as a refusal to acknowledge the gravity of the situation.


Dr. Rashid Askari is a
freethinking writer, academic,
translator and former vice
chancellor of Islamic University Bangladesh.