*Palestinian Envoy to Nigeria condemns ongoing violence by Israel, urges international action
Senator Iroegbu
As the conflict in the Palestinian territory’s rages on, alarming statistics and reports of alleged atrocities continue to emerge, prompting widespread condemnation and calls for action from the international community.
Amid the 160th day of relentless conflict in the Palestinian territories, the Ambassador of State of Palestine to Nigeria, Abdullah M. Abu Shawesh, condemned what he described as a “genocidal war” by Israel against Palestine. Abu Shawesh in a release on Wednesday, highlighted the dire humanitarian situation and called for urgent intervention from the international community.
Expressing deep sympathy for the victims and their families, the envoy emphasised the need for unity in the face of tragedy. He noted that the disturbing statements attributed to Rabbi Eliyahu Mali, advocating for the killing of Gaza residents under Jewish law, have sparked outrage and underscored the urgency of addressing incitement and persecution against Palestinians.
Abu Shawesh also referenced a recent poll revealing widespread support among Israeli Jews for the expansion of military operations in Gaza’s southern city of Rafah. With a staggering death toll, including a significant number of children and women, the conflict has exacted a devastating toll on innocent civilians, with thousands injured and many still missing.
He stressed that the UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini’s characterization of the conflict as a “war on children” underscores the urgent need for humanitarian assistance, which is often hindered by restrictions imposed by Israeli authorities. He added that reports of coercion tactics used by Israeli authorities to extract false confessions from agency employees have further deepened mistrust and escalated tensions.
AbuShawesh further noted the United States’ approval of over 100 separate military sales to Israel since the conflict began has drawn criticism, with concerns raised about complicity in the ongoing violence. He said the decision to airdrop humanitarian aid into Gaza, while welcomed, has been met with skepticism, with some questioning the motives behind the sudden gesture of goodwill.
As Israel greenlights plans for thousands of new homes in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, he stated that the European Union has condemned the move as illegal under international law. Ambassador Shawesh then urged Israel to reverse its decision, emphasising the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Amid mounting casualties and escalating tensions, the ambassador called for international action underscoring the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for intervention to bring an end to the violence and suffering endured by the Palestinian people.
Read the full press statement: