By SM Najmus Sakib
DHAKA, Bangladesh (AA) - The D-8 developing nations on Monday adopted a joint communique calling for a “cessation of hostilities and stopping the crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip,” according to the Bangladeshi Foreign Ministry.
This came following the 47th Session of the D-8 Commission held in Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka.
“We are deeply concerned over the blatant violation of human rights and international humanitarian law by the Israeli military aggression in Palestine that caused immense sufferings for the Palestinians, mostly women and children,” the joint communique said.
It also called for opening a humanitarian corridor inside Gaza to ensure humanitarian assistance and the provision of basic human needs to all Palestinians.
“We call upon all member states to provide humanitarian assistance immediately, including collaborating with relevant international organizations, such as the United Nations Relief and Work Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA),” it added.
The D-8 nations includes Bangladesh, Egypt, Nigeria, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Pakistan, and Türkiye.
The conflict in Gaza, which has been under Israeli bombardment and a blockade since Oct. 7, began 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 Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians.
The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.
The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip has climbed to 5,087, the Health Ministry in the blockaded enclave said on Monday. 15,273 people were also injured in the Israeli attacks.
More than 1,400 Israelis have been killed in Hamas attacks since Oct. 7, according to Israeli authorities.