Bangladesh mourns civilians in the latest Israel-Hamas conflict
Dear Readers,
The world is watching as the Israel-Hamas war or conflict is taking over hearts and minds. As this newsletter is focused on Bangladeshi food and culture, I will highlight how Bangladesh is responding, and updates on the current situation.
Sincerely,
Nargis Rahman
Saa Nasta Newsletter
Bangladesh declares day of mourning for Palestine
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced Thursday that Bangladesh will observe a day of mourning for Palestinians who have been recently killed by Israel. The Dhaka Tribune reports Hasina asked mosques to offer prayers for those who passed away during Friday jummah.
“It is unbearable to see blood-stained faces of children who were killed or injured in bombing attacks by Israel,” she said, to the Dhaka Tribune.
Bangladesh will provide medicine and food to Palestine.
Previously, Bangladesh sent medical units and relief to Palestine in 1973, and in the 1980s Bangladeshis fought with Lebanon against Israelis. Now Bangladeshis are wondering what more should they do.
Where are we now?
Israel has blocked aid at the Egypt border, despite President Biden asking for the border to be opened for humanitarian aid. ABC News reports there are 200 trucks waiting to cross into Gaza.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said these trucks are lifelines for Gazans, at the border on Friday.
"So, these trucks are not just trucks. They are a lifeline. They are the difference between life and death for so many people in Gaza.”
Biden said today he believes aid will reach Gazans in the next day or two, NPR reported.
“I got a commitment from the Israelis and the president of Egypt that the crossing will be opened," Biden told reporters at the White House, while a United Nations spokesperson told Reuters on Friday that a first aid delivery was due to start "in the next day or so."
Biden visited Israel on Wednesday to reaffirm his support for Israel. He’s also asking Congress to fund $106 billion in assistance to Israel and Ukraine.
Palestinians have been living under occupation since 1967. Read more about the history here.
Death tolls
The Gaza Ministry of Health says over 4,100 died from Israeli air strikes of which over 1,600 are children. The recent escalation started when Hamas militants entered Israel on October 7, taking what is now reported as more than 200 hostages. Israel says 1,400 Israelis have been killed.
Earlier today two American hostages were released by Hamas, reports Reuters. For an updated account of events in the Israel-Hamas war, follow here or here.
What does this mean for us?
In Michigan, there has been a rise in anti-Palestinian, anti-Semitic, and Islamophobic attacks. A man was arrested and charged for threatening Palestinian Americans in Dearborn. In Chicago, a 6-year-old boy was stabbed 26 times for being Muslim and Palestinian by his landlord. CAIR reported a rise in anti-Muslim attacks.
The world is watching to see what will happen in this current Israel-Hamas conflict.