Nigerian Gov’t Hails Gaza Ceasefire Pact As Thousands Of Palestinians Return Home
The Federal Government of Nigeria has welcomed the ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which resulted in the release of three Israeli hostages and the return of Palestinians from Israeli prisons. This announcement was made in a statement on Monday by the Acting Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, in Abuja.
The statement read: “The agreement offers the prospect of an end to the appalling loss of civilian life and human tragedy witnessed across Gaza over the last 15 months, as well as relief to the families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza and some of the Palestinians detained in Israeli prisons. Nigeria also welcomes the supply of much-needed aid and relief materials that the peace deal facilitates.”
The government praised Egypt, Qatar, and the United States for their pivotal roles in negotiating the ceasefire, describing their efforts as instrumental in delivering this agreement. These countries will now serve as international guarantors of the peace deal. Nigeria further emphasized the importance of building on the momentum of this ceasefire and working toward the successful implementation of subsequent phases of the agreement.
“Nigeria urges all stakeholders to build on the new momentum and work towards the successful implementation of the second and third phases of the agreement, and reaffirms support for a two-state solution as the blueprint for a just and lasting peace for Palestine, Israel, and the entire region,” the statement continued.
The ceasefire took effect on Sunday, marking a significant development as three female Israeli hostages, held by Hamas for 15 months, were released. Romi Gonen (24), Doron Steinbrecher (31), and Emily Damari (28), who is also a British citizen, were freed in exchange for 95 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. The deal, which could bring an end to the 15-month war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, was brokered by the US, Egypt, and Qatar.
The first phase of the deal, which is set to last six weeks, involves a total of 33 Israeli hostages being exchanged for about 1,900 Palestinian prisoners and detainees.
Additionally, thousands of Palestinians have started returning to their homes, which were previously destroyed or abandoned during the war. The ongoing return of displaced Palestinians highlights the ceasefire’s potential to bring some degree of stability and relief to those affected by the conflict.
The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an attack on Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages back to Gaza. In response, Israel launched a massive offensive against Gaza, which has resulted in the deaths of more than 46,900 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
