Israeli-Palestinian war: Nigerian govt, others react

Several nations, including the European Union, Russia, the United States, and Nigeria, have jointly called for a ceasefire and dialogue between Israel and Palestine in light of the recent escalation of hostilities between the two countries, which erupted on Saturday.

The Gaza health ministry reported on Saturday that Israeli air attacks, launched after a Hamas offensive against Israel, resulted in the death of at least 250 Palestinians. This followed an initial Hamas attack that claimed at least 200 lives.

Additionally, six individuals were reported killed in various locations in the West Bank, including two in Ramallah, one in Jericho, one in Qalqilia, and two in Hebron. According to Al Jazeera, over 50 people were injured in these incidents.

As of the time of this report, the total casualties have reached 450.

The Palestinian Red Crescent Society recorded 126 more Palestinians injured, with 33 of them hit by live ammunition, 10 injured by rubber-coated bullets, 69 treated for teargas inhalation, five injured by shrapnel, eight physically assaulted, and one stabbed by an Israeli settler.

The escalating casualty toll on Saturday followed a significant attack by the Palestinian group governing the Gaza Strip, marking the largest assault on Israel in the year. This involved infiltrating areas in southern Israel after launching thousands of rockets from the besieged territory.

Israel’s national rescue service confirmed at least 200 people were killed, with hundreds wounded, making it the deadliest attack in Israel in years.

In a swift response, Israel’s military launched a series of air raids on Gaza. Israel’s Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant, warned Hamas, stating that they made a “grave mistake” in launching the attack. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking from military headquarters in Tel Aviv, declared, ‘Citizens of Israel, we are at war. The enemy will pay an unprecedented price.'”