The Federal Government has condemned Israel’s recent airstrike on a civilian camp in Rafah, Gaza, which resulted in the deaths of around 45 people, predominantly women and children.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, denounced the attack as part of a disturbing pattern of strikes targeting non-combatants in the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict.
“The government and people of Nigeria condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the onslaught on defenceless civilians currently being witnessed in Gaza in the course of the Israel-Palestine conflict,” Tuggar said.
The deadly assault on Rafah, which took place on Sunday, May 26, was one of several recent incidents that have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Tuggar drew attention to other attacks, including the April bombing of Al Shifa Hospital, serial bombings of schools in Khan Younis, the March 2024 bombing of Firas Market, the Nuseirat Refugee Camp Market, and drone attacks on World Central Kitchen aid staff.
“Nigeria is, therefore, as grossly concerned about the safety and welfare of the civilian population of Gaza as it is about the protection of the dignity and sacredness of human life in the enclave.
“The country deplored the already mature humanitarian catastrophe that has developed out of the situation,” Tuggar stated, expressing profound concern for the safety and welfare of Gaza’s civilian population,” he stated.
He condemned the violations of ceasefire agreements and humanitarian corridors, as well as the deliberate sabotage of aid and relief efforts.
“Nigeria, therefore, strongly maintains the stance that the fundamental human rights, including and especially that to life, of the vulnerable civilian population of Gaza must be preserved at all cost,” Tuggar added.
He called on all stakeholders—including Israel, Palestine, the United Nations, the European Union, human rights groups, civil society organisations, world leaders, and the international community—to intensify efforts towards a swift resolution of the conflict and an immediate cessation of violence.
The Nigerian government’s stance reflects a broader international outcry against the escalating violence in the region and the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to protect innocent lives.
An Israeli airstrike on the Rafah displacement camp on Sunday claimed the lives of 45 individuals, predominantly women and children, as reported by Hamas officials.
The International Court of Justice’s ruling issued merely two days prior, ordered Israel to cease its offensive in Rafah, release hostages, and ensure unimpeded humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Additionally, the ICJ mandated the reopening of the Rafah crossing, a crucial lifeline for Gaza residents, which had been seized by Israeli forces earlier in the month.
Despite the legally binding nature of the ICJ’s orders, Israel has adamantly rejected the ruling, asserting its interpretation of the situation.
The ongoing conflict, ignited by an initial attack on Israel by Hamas, has resulted in a staggering loss of life on both sides.
While Israeli authorities report casualties among their population, Gaza’s health ministry, under Hamas control, has documented a significant toll, with the majority being civilian casualties, including women and children.
The Gaza war broke out after an attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7 that resulted in the deaths of more than 1,170 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures.
Hamas also took 252 hostages, 121 of whom remain in Gaza, including 37 the army says are dead.
Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed at least 35,984 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run territory’s health ministry.