Amnesty International has called on Nigeria to take a definitive stand against what it describes as Israel’s genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
Speaking during a public presentation of its latest report in Kano on Monday, the organization emphasized the urgency for immediate international action to stop the atrocities.
The report, titled “You Feel Like You Are Subhuman’: Israel’s Genocide Against Palestinians in Gaza,” alleges that Israel’s military offensive in Gaza, initiated after Hamas-led attacks in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, constitutes acts of genocide under international law.
“Israel has unleashed hell and destruction on Palestinians in Gaza brazenly, continuously, and with total impunity,” the report states.
“It documents killings, severe bodily and mental harm, and conditions of life inflicted upon Palestinians calculated to bring about their physical destruction.”
Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), Chairperson of Amnesty International Nigeria’s Board of Trustees, urged Nigeria and other countries to condemn the actions in Gaza and push for decisive measures.
“Governments must stop pretending they are powerless to end this genocide,” he said.
“States need to move beyond mere expressions of regret or dismay and take strong and sustained international action.”
The report also criticized countries like the USA, Germany, and the UK for continuing arms transfers to Israel.
“States that transfer arms to Israel at this time are violating their obligation to prevent genocide,” Musa added.
Amnesty International called on Nigeria, a key voice in African diplomacy, to lead efforts in urging the international community to act. “Whatever is happening to humanity anywhere in the world matters to all,” Musa stated.
“Nigerians should not feel it is not their problem because it is far away from them. What is not your problem today might become yours tomorrow.
“Nigeria must not remain silent,” Musa concluded. “This is genocide. It must stop now.”
Meanwhile Isa Sanusi, the Country Director of Amnesty revealed thatt countries has the power to end the genocide being perpetrated by Israel in Gaza.
He emphasized that Israel is not stronger than the collective will of the world.
He added that Nigeria holds a leadership position in Africa and possesses the influence needed to be taken seriously on the global stage.
The Amnesty International report highlighted that “The Gaza Ministry of Health reported that the number of Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks has reached 42,010, with another 97,590 injured since the conflict began on October 7, 2023.”
The report also revealed that approximately 13,319 children have died.