PALESTINIAN Ambassador to Nigeria, Abdullah Abu Shawesh, has called on the international community to prevail on the government of Israel to stop the “pogrom” in Gaza which has claimed more than 27,000 lives since the attack on Palestine began on October 7, 2023.
Abu Shawesh made the appeal at a programme organised by a faith-based group, Al Qani-taat Sisterhood Organisation (QSO) last weekend in Abuja.
While noting that thousands have been killed with many others displaced, the ambassador said that the war had left Palestine with no amenities to cater for the injured and the wounded.
He stated that Palestinians were only fighting and defending their rights against oppressors who they initially accommodated but who have now taken over their territory.
“The Gaza war has left us with zero amenities for our people. Our people have been killed and displaced. No one is safe until everyone is safe. We want justice in line with international law. We should all be concerned about what is happening in Palestine and not because we are Christians, Muslims or Jews but because we are all humans.
“We (Palestine) accommodated them (Israel) as refugees and they were using our passport then. Initially, they took over 54 percent of our land, leaving us with 46 percent, but today we are left with six percent and they have 94 percent.
“We have a very just cause all we are saying and asking Africa and you, Nigeria, is just to know about the historical background of the Palestinians. Since the October 7 invasion, we have lost more than 27,000 people, which has been documented.
These are innocent people comprising men, women and children. About 6,000 to 7,000 are still missing that we cannot document. Majority of them, unfortunately, are under the rubble and we may not find them.
“Despite the calls for cessation of hostilities, Israel still believes it is a state above the international law and they have full immunity from the United States of America and other Western countries. We want the Muslims, Christians and the Jews to stand firm.
What is happening in Gaza is against humanity.