Nigeria Calls for Ceasefire , Dialogue Amid Israel-Hamas Hostilities

In the wake of the recent outbreak of hostilities between Israel and Hamas, the Federal Republic of Nigeria has stepped forward to call for an immediate ceasefire and the initiation of dialogue between the conflicting parties.

The Palestinian armed group, Hamas, launched a significant attack code-named “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood” on Saturday, marking one of the most serious escalations in tension between the two sides since the 11-day conflict they engaged in during 2021.

Hamas claimed to have fired approximately 5,000 rockets during this attack, while Israel confirmed that Hamas fighters had crossed into Israeli territory.

The first volley of rockets was fired at 06:30 AM local time (03:30 GMT), marking the commencement of hostilities.

In an official statement signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, the country expressed deep concern over the escalation of violence and called for an immediate de-escalation and ceasefire.

The statement highlighted the fact that the current cycle of violence and retaliation would only lead to further suffering for the civilian population caught in the crossfire. Nigeria stressed the need for both Israel and Hamas to exercise restraint, prioritize the safety of civilians, and consider humanitarian concerns.

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The Nigerian government’s statement read, “The Federal Government of Nigeria is deeply concerned about the outbreak of hostilities between Israel and Hamas in the early hours of Saturday, October 7, 2023, and calls for de-escalation and ceasefire. The cycle of violence and retaliation that the current escalation has assumed only serves to perpetuate an unending cycle of pain and suffering for the civilian population, that bears the brunt of every conflict.”

It continued, “The Federal Government of Nigeria, therefore, calls on both sides to exercise restraint, prioritize the safety of civilians and give room for humanitarian considerations. We are therefore calling for a peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue.”

As tensions continue to mount in the region, Nigeria’s call for a ceasefire and dialogue underscores the international community’s growing concern over the situation, with hopes for a peaceful resolution to this latest crisis between Israel and Hamas.