Orji Daniels
The federal government has urged all sides in the Israel- Palestine conflict to embrace peace, saying that the authority in Nigeria is concerned that the problem could escalate.
The Buhari’s administration call for peace came on the heels of similar calls by the international community for the warring parties to embrace dialogue in the interest of their people. The United Nations, UN, France, United Kingdom, UK Russia and China have advised Isreali Prime Minister, Benjamin Nentayahu and leaders of the Palestinian Authority to deescalate immediately.
Biden’s 2020 presidential campaign website says he “believes in the worth and value of every Palestinian and every Israeli,” adding that he believes in the ‘Two States’ solution.
President Biden “will work to ensure that Palestinians and Israelis enjoy equal measures of freedom, security, prosperity, and democracy. His policies will be grounded in a commitment to a two-state solution, where Israel and the future viable state of Palestine will live together in peace, security, and mutual recognition.
“Biden opposes any unilateral steps by either side that undermine a two-state solution. He opposes annexation and settlement expansion and will continue to oppose both as President.”
The US will also “take immediate steps to restore economic and humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people, consistent with U.S. law, including assistance to refugees, work to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, reopen the U.S. consulate in East Jerusalem, and work to reopen the [Palestine Liberation Organization] mission in Washington,” the US Government said.
Responding to an urgent question in the House of Commons, the UK Foreign Office Minister James Cleverley said the situation was “deeply concerning”.
“This cycle of violence must stop and every effort must be made to avoid the loss of life – especially that of children,” he said urging all sides “to refrain from any kind of provocation so that calm is restored as quickly as possible”.
The UK “unequivocally condemns acts of terrorism from Hamas”, he said and he stressed that while Israel has a “legitimate right to self-defence”, it must ensure that all action is “proportionate and in line with international humanitarian law.
“As we enter the final days of the holy month of Ramadan, restoration of peace and security is in everyone’s interest. The UK will continue to support that goal,” Cleverly said.
Adding the Nigerian voice to the call for peace, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday said Nigeria was observing the conflict between Israeli and Palestine forces with “great concern.”
The conflict which broke out last week after Israeli forces tried to evict some Palestinians from the Al-Aqsa mosque, has led to clashes and death from both sides. Anger has also boiled over Israeli police’s decision to evict Palestinian families from the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood of east Jerusalem.
At least 109 Palestinians, including children and nine Israelis have been killed so far.
The Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa mosque is sacred to both Muslims and Jews and has been in the middle of clashes between Israel and Palestine for some time. .
Responding to the conflict, the Nigerian Government through a statement signed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman, Ferdinand Nwonye said “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to state that the Federal Government of Nigeria is watching with great concern, the unfolding developments in Israel and the State of Palestine and urges both parties to see reason and de-escalate the hostilities.
“The Nigerian Government further urges the two parties to remain committed to the two-state solution and, in the meantime, guarantee the rights of all citizens to live in peace and dignity.”
On Thursday, Israel deployed additional troops to Gaza’s border as the military conflict with Palestinian Islamists raged on, while inside Israel security forces scrambled to contain deadly riots between Jews and Arabs.
