Bangladesh declares national day of mourning for those killed in Gaza

By SM Najmus Sakib

DHAKA, Bangladesh (AA) - Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said Thursday the nation will observe a national day of mourning for the killings in Gaza.

"National flags will be hoisted at half mast on the day," Hasina said in Dhaka.

A notification released later said a one-day state mourning will be observed Saturday for Palestinians killed in Israel's brutal attack on Gaza.

​​​​​​​All government and private buildings, educational institutes and Bangladeshi missions have been asked to fly the national flag at half-mast. A special prayer will be said Friday in mosques and religious institutions in the memory of the slain Palestinians.

At least 3,785 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7, the Palestinian Health Ministry said Thursday.

It said more than 12,000 victims have been injured.

The ministry put the Palestinian death toll in the occupied West Bank at 69, with 1,300 injured.

Israel launched non-stop airstrikes on the Gaza Strip after Hamas attacked Israeli border towns.

More than 1,400 Israelis have been killed.

Gaza is experiencing a dire humanitarian crisis, with no electricity, while water, food, fuel, and medical supplies are running out.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire” to ease the “epic human suffering.”