In a significant diplomatic development, Abdullah Shawesh, the Palestinian Ambassador to Nigeria, extended a warm welcome to Nigeria’s inclusion in a committee aimed at bringing an end to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Arab League, in a joint decision on Tuesday, selected Nigeria to be part of a special delegation tasked with initiating immediate international action to cease hostilities in Gaza.
During the embassy’s weekly press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Ambassador Shawesh conveyed his optimism regarding the committee’s ability to contribute to halting the ongoing war. He emphasized the importance of the diplomatic process, stating, “The Arab League has set up a committee. The diplomatic process is a necessary one and is well appreciated by the Palestinians. We also welcome Nigeria to be a part of the committee.”
Ambassador Shawesh called on international bodies to hold Israel accountable for its actions in accordance with international legal obligations, asserting that this was crucial to ending Israel’s occupation and ensuring the safety of Palestinian lives. He highlighted the urgency of pursuing accountability through various channels, including the Security Council, the International Criminal Court (ICC), the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and all states.
“In this regard, accountability is an urgent issue to pursue—by the Security Council, by the ICC, by the ICJ, and by all states, in line with international legal obligations, including under the 4th Geneva Convention obligation to respect and ensure respect in all circumstances, including in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem. Israel cannot remain a state above the law,” Shawesh emphasized.
Providing an update on casualty figures, the ambassador expressed deep sorrow over the death toll among Palestinian civilians, which had surpassed 12,000 since the beginning of the Israeli occupation. He pointed out that the majority of the victims were children and women, and he highlighted the ongoing struggle for survival among those still missing. The ambassador concluded by stressing the need for serious international action to halt Israel’s alleged war crimes against the Palestinian people and prevent further loss of lives in the region.
Read Also:
Atiku’s Merger Call: LP Welcomes Proposal
EFCC Condemns Unauthorized Use of Its Operational Identities For Skit Making
Northern CSOs Urge Labour Unions to End Nationwide Strike, Citing Economic Hardship
Court Orders Senator Samuel Anyanwu to Halt National Secretary Role in PDP
