The Federal Government of Nigeria has expressed deep concern over the outbreak of hostilities between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group, Hamas, in the early hours of Saturday.
The violent conflict that broke out after Hamas attacked Israel with a barrage of rockets fired from the Gaza Strip has left hundreds of people dead and thousands injured.
The Nigerian government, in a statement signed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, on Saturday, called for de-escalation and a ceasefire between the warring parties.
Tuggar said 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.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria, therefore, calls on both sides to exercise restraint, prioritize the safety of civilians, and give room for humanitarian considerations.
“We are, therefore, calling for a peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue,” the minister stated.