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The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) has asked the Nigerian government to end diplomatic ties with Israel, amid the ongoing war between the country and Palestine.
This was stated by the Chairman, Resource Forum of IMN, Prof. Abdullahi Danladi in Abuja on Saturday, condemning the "prolonged escalation of the war and ‘oppression on Palestinian territories."
The Palestinian death toll since the war started passed 7,700, according to the Health Ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza. In the occupied West Bank, more than 110 Palestinians have been killed in the violence and Israeli raids.
Reacting to this, Danladi, in his speech, said, “The essence of our gathering is to once again address you and the good people of Nigeria and beyond on the continued escalation of atrocities being committed on the people of Palestine by the Zionist State of Israel.
“It is on record that our Leader, Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky has been championing solidarity with not just the Palestinians, but all the weak and oppressed people across the globe.
“The recent events in the Middle East and particularly the occupied land of Palestine has opened another chapter in human history. For over seventy- five years, the Zionists have been killing and forcefully ejecting the Palestinians from their homes under the watch and supervision of America and her allies. So far, several thousands have been killed, most of whom were children and women. Hospitals, schools, refugee camps and worship centers have not been spared of the crimes of Israel.
“Where are the so called champions of human rights and advocates of democratic and human values? America is not only silent, but in flagrant abuse of human lives and freedom as seen sending warships to aid and support the Israel in its continual massacre.
“The wave of support being shown to the weak and oppressed people of Palestine globally by people of different faiths and nationalities, including some right thinking Jews, is a clear testimony to the fact that the state of Israel today stands out as the most hated state in the world.”
He continued: “It is a known fact that Israel has serially violated charter of the United Nations and resolutions concerning this illegal occupation by which they have continued to extend and encroach into the very paltry territory of the Palestine. Therefore, the resistance we all see by the Hamas is to say the least, in line with cardinal principles of self-determination, self defence and rights protection.
“These brave people have remained steadfast in their holy struggle. Thus, we salute and assure you of our continuous prayers and support. Indeed, the Islamic Movement under the revered leadership of Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky has for over three decades consistently shown its unflinching support to the oppressed Palestine.
“We will like to call on those who are ignorant of the history and events in the Middle East and tend to see the Zionist as their brothers in faith, to see things beyond the prism of faith, race, colour, etc. The recent attacks on Churches and hospital are enough to show that it is beyond the issue of religion, rather it is crime against humanity which must be condemned.
“On this note, we join our voices in calling the Nigerian government to immediately cut off all relations and ties with Israel.”