FLASH: FG Breaks Silence Over Israel-Palestine Conflict

The Federal Government of Nigeria under President Bola Tinubu has issued a statement calling for a de-escalation of the latest crisis between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas militant group.

In the statement signed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria, Yusuf Tuggar, urged both sides to exercise restraint and prioritize the safety of civilians.

The crisis escalated when Hamas militants infiltrated Israel from the Gaza Strip in an unprecedented attack. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu labeled the invasion an act of war.

Reports suggest that the Israeli death toll from the crisis has now surpassed 100, with over 200 killed in reprisal attacks in Gaza.

The statement from the Nigerian government reads: “The federal government of Nigeria is deeply concerned about the outbreak of hostilities between Israel and Hamas in the early hours of Saturday, 7th October, 2023 and calls for de-escalation and ceasefire.

“The cycle of violence and retaliation that the current escalation has assumed, only serves to perpetuate an unending cycle of pain and suffering for the civilian population that bear the brunt of every conflict.

“We are therefore calling for a peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue.”