By Hosea Parah, Abuja
Ambassador Abdullah M. Abu Shawesh of the State of Palestine has condemned the ongoing violence in Gaza, proclaiming that the world is witnessing a “horrific and televised genocide” committed by Israel with the complicity of the United States and other Western nations. The statement marks 356 days of conflict that has devastated countless lives.
Ambassador Abu Shawesh in a statement on Thursday detailed alarming statistics, stating that as of September 24, 2024, 41,467 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, with 95,921 injured. The situation in the West Bank is also concerning, with 717 reported deaths, including 160 children, 10 women, and 9 elderly individuals. The ambassador further highlighted the plight of 10,600 Palestinians currently detained in Israeli prisons, many of whom are subjected to harsh conditions and arbitrary detention.
The ambassador’s remarks pointed to the broader implications of the ongoing crisis, criticizing what he described as hypocrisy in the international response, particularly from Western media and leaders. He called attention to the threats faced by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the perceived bias against African and Russian cases, suggesting that the principles of justice have been eroded by the logic of power.
In his statement, the ambassador expressed grave concern for the humanitarian conditions in detention facilities, where diseases such as scabies are reportedly spreading due to unsanitary conditions. He called on the Red Cross and other international organizations to advocate for the humane treatment of Palestinian detainees and to ensure that Israel’s prisons are open for visits.
The release also highlighted the tragic impact of the conflict on children in Gaza, revealing that more than 625,000 students have been deprived of education since the war began. The ambassador recalled the devastating strikes on schools acting as shelters, which resulted in significant civilian casualties, including women and children.
Ambassador Abu Shawesh expressed gratitude to the Nigerian government and its people for their unwavering support of Palestinian rights at the United Nations General Assembly. He specifically commended Vice President Kashim Shettima for his advocacy for the Palestinian cause and the two-state solution.
The ambassador framed the Palestinian struggle as a critical measure of global justice, urging the international community to confront the systemic injustices faced by the Palestinian people.