[🇧🇩] Israel and Hamas war in Gaza-----Can Bangladesh be a peace broker?

Source: https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/diplomacy/news/foreign-minister-calls-greater-oic-role-end-gaza-atrocities-3559996

Foreign minister calls for greater OIC role to end Gaza atrocities​

Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud. File photo

Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud called on the OIC member states to take alternate measures to end the conflict in Gaza and to ensure rights for the Palestinian people.

The foreign minister reiterated Bangladesh's firm support for the Palestinian cause and called for an immediate ceasefire and opening of humanitarian corridors in the besieged territory.

While addressing the 19th Extraordinary CFM of the OIC on Israel's' aggression on the Palestinian People in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, he also stressed on the importance of the Islamic Financial Safety Net to ensure basic necessities for the Palestinians.

Foreign minister, mentioning the strong statement delivered by Bangladesh at the ICJ in February for the Palestinians, hoped that peace will be established soon in the region.

Noting the current stalemate at the United Nations Security Council, Foreign Minister highlighted the need for its reform so that decision on globally effecting issues could be reached.

He stressed the importance of Muslim Ummah's unity to stop atrocities against Palestinians, ensuring their safe and peaceful living in their homeland.

Earlier yesterday, Dr Hasan Mahmud paid a courtesy call on Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud at the OIC Secretariat in Jeddah.

Expressing satisfaction at bilateral ties, Dr Mahmud hoped for deeper cooperation between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia, anticipating a visit from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Al Saud affirmed Saudi Arabia's commitment to sophisticated economic cooperation.

They discussed increasing sectoral cooperation, trade, and investment opportunities, with Dr. Mahmud seeking cooperation in crude oil purchase, which Al Saud promised to consider, including investments in refinery and petrochemical industries.

Al Saud congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on her re-election and praised her leadership in hosting Rohingya refugees, pledging Saudi Arabia's full support.

Hasan Mahmud also met with OIC Secretary General Hissein Brahim Taha.

Taha praised Sheikh Hasina's leadership and reaffirmed OIC's support for Rohingya people.

The foreign minister advocated for greater trade and investment among OIC member states to mitigate economic challenges stemming from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, proposing a dedicated cell at the OIC Secretariat for trade-related information dissemination.​

 

[Saif]

Israel retrieves last hostage body from Gaza in boost for Trump plan

Israel has retrieved the remains of the last remaining hostage held in Gaza, the military said on Monday, fulfilling a key condition of the initial phase of US President Donald Trump's plan to end the Gaza war. The remains of police officer Ran Gvili have been identified and will be returned for b

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Israel retrieves last hostage body from Gaza in boost for Trump plan

REUTERS
Published :
Jan 26, 2026 23:08
Updated :
Jan 26, 2026 23:08
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A sign depicting Ran Gvili, the last hostage remaining in Gaza following the deadly Oct 7, 2023 attack by Hamas, says in Hebrew "Rani, hero of Israel, we're waiting for you at home", on the outside of the family home in Meitar, Israel Dec 7, 2025. According to his mother, Ran Gvili, who served in an elite Israeli police unit, was injured fighting during the attack and later confirmed dead. Photo : REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun

Israel has retrieved the remains of the last remaining hostage held in Gaza, the military said on Monday, fulfilling a key condition of the initial phase of US President Donald Trump's plan to end the Gaza war.

The remains of police officer Ran Gvili have been identified and will be returned for burial, the military said in a statement.

Gvili's remains had been held in Gaza since he was killed during Hamas' attack on Oct 7, 2023, when the Palestinian militant group led an attack on southern Israeli communities, triggering a two-year Israeli offensive.

Israel has said it will reopen Gaza's Rafah border crossing with Egypt, the enclave's main gateway to the world, once the search operation for Gvili's remains was completed.

A government spokesperson had no immediate comment when asked when the border crossing would be reopened.

The Palestinian committee of technocrats backed by the US to administer Gaza has said the border would open this week.

NEXT PHASE OF DEAL

Hamas and Israel agreed to a ceasefire in October that was meant to see a complete halt in fighting as well as the return of all living and deceased hostages in exchange for the release of some Palestinians held in Israeli detention.

Gvili was one of the 251 hostages seized and taken to Gaza by militants during the Oct 7, 2023 attack. At the time of the deal, 48 hostages remained in Gaza, 28 of them believed dead, including Gvili.

Even before Gvili's body had been found, the Trump administration announced that the deal would move on to its next phase, which is meant to include reconstruction of Gaza and demilitarisation of the territory.

In a statement, Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem said the discovery of Gvili's remains confirms Hamas' commitment to the US plan to end the war.

"We will continue to uphold all aspects of the agreement, including facilitating the work of the national Gaza administration and ensuring its success," Qassem said, referring to the committee of technocrats.​