By Hosea Parah, Abuja
The Embassy of the State of Palestine to the Federal Republic of Nigeria has on Thursday released a press statement condemning the ongoing genocide and human rights violations in Palestine. The embassy highlights the continuous unjust and inhumane situations that Palestinians have endured for the past 76 years, from the Al Nakba to the present day.
The embassy strongly criticizes the practice of accusing anyone who criticizes the Israeli occupation of being anti-Semitic, deeming it as ridiculous blackmail and intimidation. They present alarming statistics, stating that as of May 22, there have been 35,647 Palestinian martyrs, 79,852 injuries, and 10,000 missing individuals, with nearly 72% of them being women and children.
The statement also emphasizes the dire living conditions in Gaza, where approximately 78% of the territory is now subject to evacuation orders by the Israeli military. Fuel and supply shortages have resulted in the closure of numerous bakeries, leaving only five operational.
The embassy raises concerns about the treatment of Palestinian prisoners and detainees, alleging ill-treatment, starvation, medical neglect, and dehumanization. They call on international organizations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross, the United Nations, and the Human Rights Council to conduct regular visits to ensure compliance with international law and the well-being of Palestinian prisoners.
The displacement of Palestinians is another critical issue highlighted in the press release. It states that up to 1.7 million people, over 75% of the population, have been displaced across the Gaza Strip, with families forced to move repeatedly in search of safety. The total number of UNRWA colleagues killed since the beginning of hostilities has risen to 189.
The embassy calls for decisive action from the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ). They urge the ICC prosecutor to issue arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes. They also call for the establishment of an ICC office in the Occupied Palestinian Territories to investigate previous Israeli aggressions and the ongoing genocide war.
The embassy condemns threats and intimidation against the ICC and its officials, emphasizing the importance of preventing impunity. They call on states parties to the 1949 Geneva Convention to fulfill their obligations based on the principle of universal jurisdiction by opening criminal investigations in their national courts.
The press release concludes with a statement from UNRWA commissioner general Philippe Lazzarini, highlighting the risks faced by civilians in Gaza and dispelling the notion of safe zones. Gaza, according to Lazzarini, does not have any safe zones, and no place is safe.
The embassy’s call for international action against the Israeli genocide in Palestine underscores the urgency and severity of the situation, urging the global community to address the ongoing human rights violations and seek justice for the Palestinian people.