The recent conflict between Israel and Palestine has escalated into a violent confrontation, resulting in casualties and destruction. Almost two million Gazans—more than 85 percent of the population—have fled their homes since October 2023.
As this conflict wages destruction on civilian lives, the Center for Peace Studies (CPS) of the South Asian Institute of Policy and Governance (SIPG) at North South University (NSU) organized the CPS Talk on ‘Genocide in Gaza’ on 16 July at 11:00 AM. The event was live streamed from the official Facebook page of CPS. The talk aimed to provide a platform for Palestinian voices and perspectives on peace and justice, emphasizing the need for international awareness and intervention.
The keynote speaker of the CPS Talk was Eng. Adnan AlHajShaker, Palestinian scholar, and Dr. Abdul Aziz Mahmoud Abueleyan, Palestinian scholar and Lecturer (Academy of International Relations), General Coordinator (Human Rights and Legal Network for the Rights of the Palestinian People). Professor Sk. Tawfique M. Haque, Acting Dean, School of Humanities and Social Sciences and Director of CPS and SIPG, and Dr. Abdul Wohab, Coordinator of CPS, were present at the event.
Moderator Dr. Ishrat Zakia Sultana, Assistant Professor, North South University, started the session by introducing the scholars.
Eng. AlHajShaker began by highlighting the pervasive issue of human injustice, pointing out the widespread weakness and fragmentation among countries in the region. He further explored the historical development of the World Zionist Organization and the endorsement of the Zionist project by Britain. He commended the support of the Islamic and Arab communities and called for increased global awareness of these pressing issues. In his concluding remarks, he urged individuals and organizations to actively support the movement for justice and advocate for the rights of the Palestinian people.
Dr. Abdul Aziz Mahmoud Abueleyan highlighted the severe conditions faced by students who left Gaza for their studies, noting the bleak reality that many can no longer hope to return. The situation in Gaza has deteriorated to the point where essential supplies such as medicine and food rations are no longer accessible. The attacks have resulted in the deaths of thousands of scholars and increased the suffering of civilians. Hospitals are shut down, leaving people without access to essential healthcare. Dr. Abdul Aziz Mahmoud Abueleyan noted that Western universities have seen successful boycotts of Israeli products due to increased awareness. He emphasized the urgent need for international solidarity to address the ongoing crisis and to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people.
Professor Sk. Tawfique M. Haque, referring to NSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Atiqul Islam informs the participants that North South University (NSU) has decided to offer ten scholarships to Palestinian students next year. NSU has also expressed interest in recruiting Palestinian faculty members.
