As the world marks the first anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attacks, Palestine Ambassador to Nigeria, Abdullah Abu Shawesh has strongly opposed the notion of a ceasefire, arguing that it implies both sides are equally involved in fighting.
In an interview with ARISE News on Monday he said, “We should not call for a ceasefire because a ceasefire means that there are two arms fighting against each other. This is a war launched by a brutal military occupation against innocent Palestinian people,” he asserted.
Instead, he called for a complete end to what he characterised as the Israeli war on Palestine.
In an exclusive interview with ARISE NEWS on Monday, the Palestinian Ambassador to Nigeria, expressed his views on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, emphasising the historical context of what he termed a longstanding war against the Palestinian people. He criticised the narrative surrounding the October 7 attacks, asserting that this situation is not merely a conflict but rather a war that began decades ago.
“This is not a conflict; this is a war launched against the Palestinian people long ago,” Shawesh stated.
He traced the origins of this war back to the Balfour Declaration issued by the United Kingdom on November 2, 1917, which he argued the United Kingdom unjustly promised the land of Palestine to Jewish people without the rightful claim to it. He also referenced the displacement of Palestinians during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, which he believes further entrenched the ongoing struggle.
Addressing the events of October 7, he acknowledged the day’s significance but insisted that an international inquiry is needed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attacks and the ongoing conflict.
“Yes, October 7th is a fact, but what happened on that day should lead us to come together for an international inquiry,” he said.
He also criticised what he described as false accusations by Israel that serve to legitimize ongoing violence against Palestinians, emphasising the need for accountability for any war crimes committed against civilians.
Meanwhile, the Israeli ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, emphasised the profound impact of that tragic day. On October 7, 2023, over 1,200 lives were lost as Hamas launched a coordinated assault on Israel, resulting in widespread devastation and hostages taken.
In stark contrast, Freeman underscored the root of the conflict, stating, “The root of this problem is Iran that has declared its intention to destroy Israel.”
Freeman pointed out that Iran’s continuous support for Hamas and other militant groups poses a significant threat, not only to Israel but to global stability. “Iran is the fundamental problem and the fundamental challenge here,” he said, calling for international action against Tehran’s destabilizing activities.
Reflecting on the emotional toll of the attacks, Freeman shared a personal story about his 87-year-old father, who experienced the terror of that day firsthand.
“It is very difficult for me to give words to those people, often I am the one who looks to those who have suffered and survived these terrible massacres and then look for their words of strength… but together we will survive,” he said, echoing sentiments of resilience among the Israeli people.
He also expressed outrage over protests occurring worldwide, stating that those who demonstrate against Israel ignore the massacre of innocents on October 7.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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