The Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, has clarified that Israel is not at war with Palestine but is engaged in a total war against Hamas, vowing to eliminate the group.
He described the recent attack on Israel as the worst since the Holocaust and called on the international community to support Israel’s efforts to eradicate Hamas.
Freeman stressed that Israel’s actions were in response to the invasion of its territory and the killing of its citizens, stating that any nation would do the same in a similar situation. He called on the world to judge Hamas based on its actions, emphasizing that the group targets not only Jews and Israelis but all groups, including Muslims and Christians.
The ambassador explained that while civilian casualties are regrettable in any conflict, Israel would not intentionally target civilians but rather focus on Hamas. He noted that Hamas has threatened to involve Israeli children and women in the conflict, emphasizing the need to end the reign of terror.
Freeman clarified that the conflict is not about religion but about good versus evil, civilization versus barbarism. He expressed Israel’s commitment to protect its citizens and end the threat posed by Hamas.
On the other hand, the Palestinian Ambassador to Nigeria, Abdallah Shawesh, called on the international community to pressure Israel to end the siege on Palestinian territory and apply international laws to resolve the crisis. He urged fair treatment for all parties and condemned the ongoing violence, emphasizing that every life matters.
Regarding Hamas, Shawesh stated that the group is not a terrorist organization but is fighting for the liberation of Palestinian land from Israeli occupation. He noted that a ceasefire agreement depended on Israel, which possesses a comprehensive military infrastructure with support from allies like the United States. He also highlighted the destruction caused by the conflict, including the loss of lives, the displacement of medical professionals, and the destruction of ambulances and historic sites.
