International
Gaza War: Israeli, Palestinian Envoys Lay Bare Conditions for End of Hostilities
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Gaza War: Israeli, Palestinian Envoys Lay Bare Conditions for End of Hostilities
By: Michael Mike
Both Israeli and Palestinian envoys to Nigeria have laid bare the conditions to ending ongoing hostilities in Gaza
While the Israeli ambassador, Michael Freeman insisted that Hamas must be eliminated for peace to reign, his Palestinian counterpart said the investigation of war crimes remained only solution to a sustained peace in the troubled area.
Though both envoys seem unmoved in their conditions but they expressed commitment to peaceful coexistence.
The commitment comes as thousands of casualties are recorded on both sides of the divide in the ongoing war.
The two envoys were brought to give their side of the story at the 4th webinar edition of the Geopolitics Series on Thursday, which focused on the ‘Israel-Hamas War and the Way Forward.’
The event, organised by the Media Centre for Development (MCD) in Abuja, Nigeria, in collaboration with the West Africa Democracy Radio (WADR) in Dakar, Senegal, brought together stakeholders, Ambassadors of Israel and Palestine, and prominent voices across Africa. This collaborative effort seeks to address the critical pre-conditions set by each side, acknowledging their impact on survival.
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The Convener of Geopolitics Series Senator Iroegbu,, opened the dialogue with a strong emphasis on shedding light on the pressing issue, exploring pathways to peaceful coexistence and development.
Iroegbu stressed that the dialogue, conducted under the theme ‘Bridging Divides for Sustainable Peace in the Middle East and Beyond,’ aimed to promote understanding, address humanitarian considerations, comprehend global implications, and unlock the potential for African involvement.
“The 4th Edition of Geopolitics Series focuses on the Israel-Hamas conflict, transcending boundaries for global resonance. In partnership with West African Democracy Radio, we strive for peace, uniting voices, including the Palestinian and Israeli Ambassadors. The theme highlights our commitment to understanding, coexistence, and addressing humanitarian concerns with global implications. In these crucial moments, we aim to illuminate the conflict’s origins, challenges, and potential solutions,” Iroegbu said.
Freeman the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria and the Permanent Representative of Israel to ECOWAS, expressed a commitment to peaceful coexistence. He highlighted the inhumane treatment of Israelis, lamenting the murders, killings of families, and the horrific acts of rape against women by Hamas. Freeman expressed concern over Hamas’s refusal to release hostages taken during the conflict, detailing the scale of attacks and the impact on peace talks.
He said: “We are witnessing a heartbreaking reality where children are ruthlessly killed in the presence of their parents, and parents are brutally murdered before their own children. This level of brutality surpasses even the atrocities committed by ISIS. Hamas, in a disturbing act of pride, televised this horrific attack, openly declaring their intent to repeat it.
“For Israel, our priority is ensuring that Hamas does not perpetrate such atrocities again. Ceasing fire is a possibility, but the release of kidnapped victims is non-negotiable. If Hamas genuinely desires an end to the conflict, they must commit to a long-term cessation, not a temporary pause for regrouping and subsequent attacks.”
“Hamas’s current agenda aims to inflate casualty numbers for manipulation against Israel. They possess hidden weapon facilities, and even terrorists surrendering from hospitals reveal their insidious tactics. Their call for a ceasefire is not rooted in genuine intent but rather in strategic words lacking sincerity,” Freeman stated.
Addressing the path to peace, Freeman outlined key considerations, including condemning the events of October 7th, ending the education of children to kill Jews, and acknowledging the Jewish people. He underscored the need for Palestinian leaders to stand up against Hamas’s actions, release hostages, and embrace compromise for peace.
Responding to accusations of civilian casualties, Freeman acknowledged it as the unfortunate reality of war but highlighted Israeli efforts to create safe zones and minimise casualties.
In response, the Palestinian Ambassador to Nigeria, Abdullah AbuShawesh, affirmed the Palestinian commitment to peace. He stressed that Palestinians do not harbour hatred for Jews but rather concerned about prevailing thoughts in Israeli leadership. Shawesh delved into historical events, tracing tensions back to 1917, and denied allegations of rape, asserting a commitment to truth and dialogue.
He said: “The Israeli settlers are responsible for the horrifying acts of burning and burying Palestinians. The claim of widespread rape is baseless and untrue, contrary to the facts.
“We stand resilient against attempts to eradicate us from our land, a struggle dating back to 1917, but we will not succumb. Our acknowledgment of the Israeli people’s right to live is not synonymous with teaching hatred towards Jews; such allegations are unfounded.”
“It is crucial to recognise that Israeli supremacy is deeply embedded in their leadership, as evidenced by historical remarks. Dispelling misinformation is paramount for fostering understanding and seeking a just resolution to the longstanding conflict.”
In seeking solutions, Ambassador Shawesh proposed an inquiry commission, independently investigating claims from both sides. He urged involvement from the African Union and the International Criminal Court (ICC) to address what he termed war crimes committed by Israel.
Ms. Shoshanna Keats Jaskoll, an American-Israeli activist, American-Israeli activist Shoshanna Keats Jaskoll, expressed deep concern for the aftermath of the war, particularly its impact on women and girls. A tearful Jaskoll described the impact in Israel following the attack, disclosing that people are volunteering daily for funerals as parents bury their children.
She emphasised that Hamas is not a solution for peace; it must go for peace to prevail. She highlighted the devastating impact on women and girls, revealing evidence of sexual assault on young girls after the attack, while calling for women to be part of decision-making processes, emphasising the need for peace for the sake of future generations.
“It is imperative for women to be active participants in decision-making committees, bringing forth their creative ideas. Our pursuit of peace is fundamentally for the well-being of our children. Let us invest our time in securing a future for our children through concerted efforts. Recognize that none of us is going anywhere unless we collectively strive for a harmonious and prosperous future, “she said.
Speaking on ‘Nigerian/African diplomacy and perspective in resolving the conflict’, former Deputy Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations, Amb. Usman Sarki, insisted on the two-state solution. Sarki noted that the positions of both Nigeria and Africa is that Palestinians deserves the rights to statehood and called for a “reinvigorated and enhanced roles of the United Nations” as well as the full implementation of the UN Resolution in 1947.
“Nigeria and Africa should call for Palestine to become a full-fledged member of the United Nations…recognition of the rights of Palestine to exist as country within the 1967 border”, he added.
In her welcome address, the Station Manager of WADR, Ms. Agnes John-Thomasi, stressed the profound loss experienced by both sides and advocated for unity through dialogue, recognizing it as the path to true peace.
“The road to lasting peace may be challenging, but it is not insurmountable. Together, let us construct bridges for peaceful coexistence, for the world truly needs peace,” John-Thomasi said.
Other speakers include Mr. Fidel Amakye Owusu, Security and Geopolitical Advisor, Riley Risk Inc, Ghana who gave an ‘Overview: What has geopolitics to do with this conflict – from Africa to the wider world’; and Dr. Samuel Ayegba, Department of Defence and Security Studies, Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, who ‘Explored the role…perspectives of the academic institutions.
The webinar concluded with a shared understanding that the road to lasting peace may be challenging but is not insurmountable. The commitment expressed by Israel and Palestine, coupled with the engagement of stakeholders, marks a significant step toward fostering understanding and seeking solutions for sustainable peace.
Gaza War: Israeli, Palestinian Envoys Lay Bare Conditions for End of Hostilities
International
Pakistani Armed Forces Remain largest contributors to UN peace keeping –Envoy
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Pakistani Armed Forces Remain largest contributors to UN peace keeping –Envoy
By: Michael Mike
The High Commissioner of Pakistan to Nigeria, Sohail Khan has said the Pakistani Armed Forces remain the largest contributors to the United Nations’ peacekeeping operations across the globe, a position that has been maintained since 1960.
Khan, who is a retired Major General in the Pakistani military, made this known at the Pakistani High Commission in Abuja on Friday during Pakistan’s Defence and Martyrs Day celebration, which is held annually on September 6 since 1965.
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He noted that the commemoration day was to pay homage to the armed forces of Pakistan who protected the motherland from internal and external aggression with bravery.
He disclosed that 23,900 officers and five Generals had sacrificed their lives in the Global War against Terrorism, with Pakistan losing over US$152 billion in the process.
The High Commissioner said Pakistan has kept responsible nuclear state status and the armed forces’ management of the command and control system has been distinguished.
He emphasised that one major significance of the occasion is honouring martyrs and members of the armed forces for their dedication and sacrifices.
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On his part, the Defence Advisor at the High Commission, Col. Mushtag Kamran stated that September 6 signified the unflinching resolve, unity, and sense of sacrifice to defend the motherland at all costs.
He praised the sons of the soil who sacrificed their lives to protect freedom and sovereignty, urging others to strive for a better tomorrow.
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The event was attended by senior Nigerian Armed Forces officers, ambassadors, attachés, and diplomatic corps, and featured traditional Pakistani cuisine, with a pledge from Pakistani officers to continue to defend the motherland following the footsteps of martyr.
Pakistani Armed Forces Remain largest contributors to UN peace keeping –Envoy
International
US Provides $6.5 million for Flood Related Humanitarian Needs in Nigeria
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US Provides $6.5 million for Flood Related Humanitarian Needs in Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is providing more than $6.5 million to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to address flood-related humanitarian needs across Nigeria.
According to a statement on Thursday by
the Development Outreach and Communications Team of USAID, the funding is part of USAID’s Fiscal Year 2024 support and will enable local partners to respond to flooding and other disasters.
The statement revealed that IOM is allocating $3 million to address flood-related humanitarian needs across the country.
Flooding has affected over 619,000 people in 29 Nigerian states since mid-August, according to Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency. The floods have claimed 210 lives, displaced nearly 228,700 people, and damaged more than 84,800 homes.
According to the statement, this response is part of a larger humanitarian assistance effort. In Fiscal Year 2024, USAID has provided nearly $100 million in previously announced funding to Nigeria to respond to the urgent needs of those impacted by disasters, including floods.
USAID Mission Director, Melissa Jones said:
“The United States remains committed to supporting the people of Nigeria as they face the challenges posed by climate change and increasingly frequent natural disasters. Our enduring partnership is rooted in a long history of delivering humanitarian aid across the nation.”
US Provides $6.5 million for Flood Related Humanitarian Needs in Nigeria
Health
U.S. Donates 10,000 Doses of Mpox Vaccines
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U.S. Donates 10,000 Doses of Mpox Vaccines
By: Michael Mike
United States government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has donated 10,000 doses of the mpox (formerly referred to as “Monkeypox”) vaccine to its Nigerian counterpart to support the nation’s ongoing efforts to respond to the current mpox outbreak.
Mpox is an infectious viral disease that occurs in humans and animals. It can be transmitted through close contact including sexual interactions. The prevention of mpox is through vaccination. Individuals of 18 years of age and older are determined to be at high risk for mpox infection and highly recommended to take the vaccine.
The vaccine is a two-dose primary series for use in persons who have never received smallpox vaccine and a single booster for individuals previously vaccinated with a smallpox vaccine
The U.S. Ambassador Richard Mills, speaking at the event to hand over the vaccines to the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, said: “We are pleased to know that this is a timely donation that will reach the affected areas across the country and those who are most vulnerable to mpox infection.”
He added that: “We encourage the Government of Nigeria to continue to mobilize domestic resources to secure more vaccines to combat mpox.”
It has been reported that the federal government has prioritized five states (Bayelsa, Edo, Cross-River, Lagos, and Rivers) with the highest burden of mpox cases. The vaccines are expected to be given to those most at risk of mpox including close contacts of mpox cases and frontline healthcare workers with a provision for reactive vaccination in other states as the need arises.
When questioned on the safety of the vaccine, Mills said: “Yes, the vaccine is safe. Safety tests have been conducted during clinical trials, and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control reviewed the results of these trials before granting approval for the use of the vaccines in Nigeria.”
USAID in a statement on Tuesday promised to continue to provide technical support and collaborate with the Government of Nigeria to improve prevention, preparedness, detection, response, and resilience to infectious disease outbreaks.
It said it is also supporting the Government of Nigeria with strengthening primary health care and routine immunization systems as well as supporting overall systems strengthening including health, education, nutrition, governance systems, and the rule of law.
U.S. Donates 10,000 Doses of Mpox Vaccines
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