By ZAKAA LAZARUS, Abuja
The Palestinian Ambassador to Nigeria, Abu Shawesh was lauded the United Nations General Assembly’s resolution demanding sanctions and an arms embargo on Israel over the Palestinian-Israel war that has lasted for over 349 days.
The resolution supported by 124 of 193 UN member states called for an end to Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories within 12 months.
Abu Shawesh praised the international community for standing with Palestine, singling out Nigeria for its continued support.
“This vote proves that the majority of the world supports the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the end of Israel’s deadly occupation,” he said.
The ambassador also warned that international law is “on a knife’s edge,” as many countries fail to meet their obligations, referencing a ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Israel’s actions in the occupied territories.
Abu Shawesh also reflected on the 76th anniversary of the assassination of UN peace mediator Count Folke Bernadotte by the Jewish militia group Lehi, whose former leader, Yitzhak Shamir, later became Israel’s prime minister. The envoy noted the dark legacy of violence that continues to shape Israel’s policies.
He condemned Israel’s ongoing military campaign against Palestinians, now in its 349th day, describing it as a brutal assault on human rights, international law, and global institutions
Palestine has provoked the war following a brutal attack on YouTube concert in Israel that left over 1,000 Israelites dead in one fell swoop.
Abu Shawesh told newsmen on Thursday in Abuja said the Israel and its ally, the United States, are waging a relentless war on moral values and international legal frameworks.
The ambassador also condemned the devastating death toll of Palestine people which he said have raised surpassing 41,272, and more than 95,551 injured as of September 18.
He said over 10,000 Palestinians are missing under the rubble.
According to him, a report from the World Health Organization (WHO), has indicated that up to 17,550 people in Gaza have suffered severe limb injuries, with between 3,105 and 4,050 amputations.
“At least one-quarter of the injured require long-term rehabilitation,” the WHO stated, underscoring the enduring impact of the conflict on the civilian population.
Abu Shawesh cited a new investigation by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, which found that Israel has been recruiting African asylum seekers for dangerous operations in Gaza in exchange for promises of legal status.
“This is a clear violation of human rights and exploitation of vulnerable people,” he said, calling Israel a “pariah state.”
As the conflict continues, Abu Shawesh urged the international community to hold Israel accountable and to enforce the recently passed UN resolution.
He emphasized that Palestine’s struggle for self-determination and justice is far from over but is gaining more support on the global stage.
