The Palestinian Ambassador to Nigeria, Abdullah M. Abu Shawesh, has issued a strong condemnation of Israel’s ongoing military offensive against Palestinians, now in its 356th day. In a statement released on September 26, 2024, Abu Shawesh described the situation as a “horrific and televised genocide” carried out with the full backing of the United States and several Western countries.
The ambassador expressed frustration at the global response, accusing Western media of hypocrisy and double standards, particularly in their portrayal of Israel’s right to defend itself while ignoring the Palestinians’ right to self-defense and liberation. He also pointed to increasing accusations of anti-Semitism against those who challenge Israel’s actions or its justification for violence.
As of September 24, 2024, the death toll in Gaza has risen to 41,467, with 95,921 injured, according to Abu Shawesh. In the West Bank, 717 Palestinians, including 160 children, 10 women, and 9 elderly individuals, have been killed. The conflict has also claimed the lives of 222 staff members of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA).
Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons face harsh conditions, with over 10,600 Palestinians, including 17 parliamentary members, 735 children, and 410 women, currently held in Israeli detention facilities. Diseases like scabies are reportedly spreading due to unsanitary conditions and lack of medical care. Abu Shawesh called on the Red Cross and other international organizations to pressure Israel to allow prison visits and ensure the humane treatment of detainees, in line with international law.
The ambassador also highlighted a recent incident involving the Red Cross, in which Palestinian authorities halted the receipt of a truck containing 88 bodies that had been taken by Israeli forces from Gaza. The decision was made due to the lack of data or information regarding the identities of the deceased and the locations from which they were recovered. Abu Shawesh urged the Red Cross to adhere to international protocols regarding the transfer of bodies and called for pressure on Israel to ensure transparency in such procedures.
The war has also devastated Gaza’s education system. Since the conflict began, over 625,000 students have been unable to attend school. In July alone, 21 strikes on schools serving as shelters were recorded, resulting in the deaths of more than 270 people, including women, children, and elderly civilians. “The war has robbed every boy and girl in Gaza of their childhood and education,” Abu Shawesh said.
The ambassador expressed his gratitude to Nigeria for its continued support of the Palestinian cause, specifically praising Vice President Kashim Shettima for his endorsement of the Palestinian people’s right to freedom and a two-state solution during his speech at the United Nations General Assembly.
Abu Shawesh concluded by stressing that the Palestinian struggle is a litmus test for the global community, calling on international organizations and governments to stand up for human rights, international law, and justice.