Senate urges Nigerian govt to intervene in Israel-Hamas conflict

The Nigerian Senate has passed a motion urging the federal government to intervene in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, with a compelling call for a ceasefire to end the hostilities.

The motion, titled “Urgent Need to Call for a Ceasefire on the Ongoing Conflict between Israel and Hamas,” was presented by Senator Adamu Alero of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) from Kebbi State, along with Senator Sumalia Kawu of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) from Kano.

This motion was co-sponsored by 43 other senators, highlighting the widespread concern within the Nigerian legislative body.

Senator Alero, during his presentation, emphasized the complexity and longstanding nature of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has persisted for over a century.

He traced the conflict’s roots back to the early 1900s when Jewish immigrants from Europe began settling in Palestine, then part of the Ottoman Empire.

Disturbingly, Senator Alero pointed out the devastating human toll, citing reports from the Gaza Ministry of Health that more than 8,000 people have been killed in Gaza since October 7.

Shockingly, women, children, and members of the press account for over 62% of the fatalities. Furthermore, more than 15,273 people have been affected by the conflict, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

The international community has already expressed its condemnation of the conflict, and the Senate raised concerns about its potential to spread to neighboring countries and involve the allies of both Israel and Palestine if swift action is not taken.

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) from Abia State seconded the motion, strongly condemning the loss of innocent lives and advocating for a sustainable solution to bring an end to this protracted conflict.

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin commended the motion’s sponsors, emphasizing the importance of pursuing peace over a “tit-for-tat” approach.

He called for Nigeria to align with other nations in supporting a two-state solution, which has been proposed by the United Nations as a pathway to a lasting resolution.

Senator Sani Musa of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Niger State stressed that the issue transcends questions of right or wrong. He underscored the significance of Nigeria’s role in advocating for peace and encouraged the country to collaborate with the United Nations in pushing for the two-state solution.

In its resolution, the Nigerian Senate urged the federal government to support a two-state solution as proposed by the United Nations, as a means to address the Israeli-Palestinian crisis and work towards a lasting resolution.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio expressed the emotional nature of the motion and conveyed gratitude to the Senate for addressing the issue and showing solidarity with the victims of the conflict.

He specifically highlighted the suffering of innocent children and citizens in the region who have been affected by the ongoing violence.

This Senate motion underscores the Nigerian government’s commitment to advocating for peace and stability in the region and supporting a diplomatic approach to the Israeli-Hamas conflict.

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