Bangladesh premier condemns Israeli attacks on Gaza hospital, calls it 'inhumane'

During meeting with envoys from 14 OIC member countries in Dhaka, Sheikh Hasina says her country continues to stand by Palestinian people

By SM Najmus Sakib

DHAKA, Bangladesh (AA) - Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday strongly condemned Israel's “inhumane” attack on Gaza, promising that her country will always stand by the Palestinian people.

Hasina made the remarks while meeting with envoys from 14 Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member countries, including Palestine, Türkiye, and Saudi Arabi at her office in the capital Dhaka.

Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Mome told reporters that Hasina pledged during the meeting that medicines and emergency supplies would be sent to Palestine soon.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Foreign Ministry issued a strong condemnation of the airstrike on the Al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza City, calling it "barbaric" by the "Israeli Occupying Forces" that claimed the lives of hundreds of civilians, including children.

“This ruthless attack is a flagrant violation of international humanitarian laws and accords which constitutes a grave crime against humanity,” it added.

The perpetrators of this criminal act must be held accountable for their actions, the statement demanded.

At least 471 people were killed and 342 others were injured in an Israeli airstrike on Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza late Tuesday, the Gaza Health Ministry said on Wednesday. Israel, however, has denied responsibility for the air raid.

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

The conflict began on Oct. 7 when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea, and air. It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

UN chief Antonio Guterres has called for an “immediate humanitarian cease-fire” to ease the “epic human suffering.”

At least 3,478 Palestinians have so far been killed, while the figure stands at more than 1,400 people in Israel.

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