By Olukayode Idowu
Palestinian Ambassador to Nigeria, Abdullah Shawesh has appealed to European Union and the other international communities to pressure Israel to halt the planned construction of houses in Gaza.
Shawesh warned that EU needs to follow its condemnation of Israel action in Gaza with reaction, insisting that it is not enough for EU to just condemn Israel as there is the need to mount pressure on them to desist from the plan.
The envoy who spoke to journalists in Abuja, lamented that already the Israeli authorities have given the go-ahead for the construction of 3426 new Israeli homes in Gaza.
He said, “On March 6, Israel greenlit the advancement plan for 3426 new Israeli homes to be built on the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
“The EU condemns this Israeli move and urged Israel to reverse its decision, reiterating its position that the settlements are illegal under international law and constitute an obstacle to peace, as they threaten the two-state solution.
“The EU’s position is good but not sufficient. The EU and the international community still has a lot of peaceful, legal, and diplomatic tools to pressure Israel not only to put an end to the expansion of settlements but also to dismantle them as a real and tangible step towards the embodiment of the state of Palestine. Continuing with business as usual will not be helpful at all; Israel is accustomed to hearing these positions and does not pay them any attention.”
Shawesh also noted that since the 7 October retaliation attacks, no fewer than 31,272 Palestinians have been killed and 73,024 injured, with 72% being children and women.
He also added that more than 8,000 are still missing under the rubble, and in many cases, Israel prevents the rescue teams from reaching them or even evacuating the dead bodies.”
