Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has called for a cease-fire in the ongoing Israeli-Hamas war in Gaza.
The Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar-led Islamic body also called on world leaders to uphold justice and peace in solving the escalation that started about a week ago and called for the opening of a humanitarian corridor for the delivery of food and medical supplies to Gaza.
The NSCIA in a press statement signed by its deputy secretary-general, Salisu Yunus, said while peace is desirable, peace without justice would only precipitate future crises and accused the United States of taking sides with Israel.
The council urged the Nigerian government to, as it did with apartheid in South Africa and for the sake of humanity and justice, stand clearly with the helpless victims of persistent Israeli persecution, massacre, oppression and suppression.
“We call for the immediate cessation of violence and the opening of a humanitarian corridor for the delivery of food and medical supplies to Gaza. Enough damage, destruction and deaths have been done already and we wonder how many thousands of civilians have to die to assuage the cravings of the bloodthirsty gladiators.
“The Council commiserates with the people of Palestine on the huge losses they have recorded before and during the current war and calls for immediate ceasefire. We also pray for peace, justice, security and humanity in the world because violence is an evil wind that blows no one any good.
“The circumstances leading to the current escalation are well known to the discerning. It is because Israel has persistently failed to honour United Nations resolutions, implement the two-state solution of the Oslo Accord and guarantee Palestinians’ economic and political security,” NSCIA said.