Kehinde Fajobi
Nigeria has expressed support for the recently implemented ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, describing it as a step towards ending human tragedy and restoring hope in the region.
In a statement on Monday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted the potential of the agreement to ease the humanitarian crisis.
Acting ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa said, “The federal government of Nigeria welcomes the agreement of a ceasefire in Gaza between Israel and Hamas.”
He added, “The agreement offers the prospect of an end to the appalling loss of civilian life and human tragedy witnessed across Gaza over the last 15 months, as well as relief to the families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza and some of the Palestinians detained in Israeli prisons. Nigeria also welcomes the supply of much-needed aid and relief materials that the peace deal facilitates.”
The government commended Egypt, Qatar, and the United States for their mediation efforts and their role as international guarantors of the ceasefire.
Ebienfa further noted, “The ceasefire agreement presents the people of the region with an opportunity for hope and compassion. Nigeria urges all stakeholders to build on the new momentum and work towards the successful implementation of the second and third phases of the agreement.”
Reiterating its support for a two-state solution, Nigeria called the framework the “blueprint for a just and lasting peace for Palestine, Israel, and the entire region.”
The ceasefire follows weeks of intense conflict sparked by the October 7, 2023, Hamas invasion of Israel, which left 1,200 people dead and over 200 Israelis taken hostage.