Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima took a strong stand in support of Palestinian independence during the 2024 United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Naijaonpoint reports that his remarks were made against the backdrop of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, which began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a devastating assault on Israel.
In response, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have carried out extensive aerial strikes and ground operations in the Gaza Strip.
According to reports, by September 2024, the conflict had claimed the lives of 41,431 Palestinians and 1,706 Israelis, escalating concerns on both sides of the divide.
Addressing these developments at the 79th session of the General Assembly, Shettima highlighted the need to reflect on the enduring Israeli-Palestinian conflict when discussing issues of war, peace, and humanitarian efforts.
“We cannot talk about war and peace, conflicts and reconciliation, or humanitarian needs today without considering the Israeli-Palestinian conflict,” Shettima declared while addressing global leaders.
He emphasized that the Palestinian people are entitled to freedom and independence.
Speaking further, he remarked on the heart-wrenching conditions in Gaza and other Palestinian territories, stating, “What we are witnessing today is a clear failure by the international community to uphold the principles and aspirations of the United Nations—eliminating inequality, violence, and domination of one people over another. Justice and freedom must be prioritized.”
He called on world leaders to recognize the rights of Palestinians, reiterating that their quest for independence and recognized territories is backed by international law and should not be disregarded.
Shettima said, “Freedom is a natural entitlement that can’t be denied to any people. The Palestinian people deserve independence. They deserve to have their own territories already recognised by this very Assembly and international law, which is being routinely ignored.”
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