By Uche Mbah
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has sued for peace in the Middle East crisis, saying that peace is achievable if the International Community will aim for peace.
Writing on his verified Facebook page, Jonathan said he had been to both Israel and Palestine and “have some understanding and appreciation of the human angles on both divides”.
Israel and Palestine became embroiled in the latest hostilities when Palestinian liberation group, Hamas, rained missiles on Israeli settlements in Gaza. Although most of the missiles was intercepted by israeli counter-missile protection, the Iron Dome, some Israeli were killed. In a retaliatory measure, Israel had bombed the bunker-tunnels where Palestinians were hiding, killing hundreds, and forcing palestinian allies like Turkey and Iran to sue for ceasefire.
“I have been to both Israel and Palestine, and as a result, I have some understanding and appreciation of the human angles on both divides”. Jonathan wrote.
“Borders are often human constructs, but the Divine instruction we have is to love our neighbor as ourselves.
“The present conflict in that part of the world can never be resolved by nations and institutions taking sides. It can only be resolved by those living within the borders of Israel and Palestine taking time to understand each other until they come to a place where they can coexist, co-prosper and eventually cooperate.
“For that to happen, what is needed, in the immediate term, is a ceasefire, followed by massive confidence building on both sides.
“That is what the international community should aim for. Peace. It is achievable.
“I sue for peace in both Israel and Palestine, and urge that every international support should be towards deescalating the conflict, rather than escalating it.”
Fears are that the crisis, if not handled by the UN in a comprehensive manner, may escalate to a global crisis.
