The Federal Government of Nigeria has expressed deep concerned about the outbreak of hostilities between Israel and Hamas in the early hours of Saturday, and has called for de-escalation and ceasefire.
Indeed, the government called for a ceasefire hours after Hamas launched a multi-pronged assault at dawn with thousands of rockets and ground, air and sea forces, attacking and infiltrating Israeli towns and kibbutz communities.
In a statement on Saturday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, said the escalation between both countries would result in an unending cycle of pain and suffering for the civilian population, advising that both parties should exercise restraint and prioritise the safety of civilians.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria is deeply concerned about the outbreak of hostilities between Israel and Hamas in the early hours of Saturday 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 bears the brunt of every conflict.
He urged both parties to create room for humanitarian considerations, calling for dialogue.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria, therefore, calls on both sides to exercise restraint, prioritise the safety of civilians and give room for humanitarian considerations. We are therefore calling for a peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue,” the statement read.