Israel

By Prof. Abdussamad Umar Jibia

Last night (Friday, 19/04/24), I sat to watch the national news, which I rarely do these days. Of course, I sometimes sit and watch. 

The first item I saw was a report of more killings in Plateau state. Plateau state is one of the two states in Northern Nigeria with a majority Christian population. That didn’t mean anything before. Jos, the state’s capital, had made a name for being a peaceful town you would visit and enjoy. The atmosphere was lovely; the city was peaceful, with lots of tourist attractions in its surroundings.

This made Jos a suitable candidate for situating the premier elitist National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, an institute attended only by a select few among the policymakers of Nigeria. That is not all. 

Different generations of politicians have selected the same Jos to host their party conventions, which can only take place in a peaceful atmosphere. As far back as December 1952, the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) held its convention in Jos. Forty-one years later, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) also had its historic convention in Jos. This convention resulted in the election of Chief MKO Abiola as its flag-bearer. No wonder the motto of Plateau state has been “Home of Peace and Tourism”.

All that was before the arrival of Zionists in the 1990s. The Zionists, who do not believe in Jesus as a messenger, a son of God or even a man of God, had convinced some ignorant Nigerian Christians that they were their brothers. Nigerian Christians thus mounted very high pressure on General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida’s administration to bring back the Zionists who were expelled from Nigeria in 1973. Of course, even before 1973, Nigerians never wanted them. Their presence was imposed on us by the British.

Some of the slogans used by the Christian clergy included, “It is antichristian to antagonise Israel”, “Israelis are our brothers”, and “Nigeria stands to benefit from diplomatic relations with Israel”. Babangida yielded and restored diplomatic relations with Israel in September 1992. That single act was the greatest mistake any Nigerian leader would make since gaining the flag independence from the British. 

As soon as they settled down, the Israelis began implementing their scheme. They started issuing visas to Nigerian Christians to go on annual “pilgrimages” like Muslims. However, unlike Muslims who go to Saudi Arabia to worship, the Christian pilgrimage was purely a tourist visit with no defined acts of worship.

If it were just about tourism, the problem would have been less. In fact, there wouldn’t have been any problem at all. However, since the Christian pilgrimage started, peace has eluded Northern Nigeria. The city of Jos, which attracted Nigerians and their guests, has since become a ghost of itself. Nobody wants to visit Jos anymore. Youth corps posted to Jos desperately seek relocation. Travellers from Abuja to Bauchi and back now go through Kano to avoid being intercepted and murdered in Jos. 

The Zionist connection was exposed on the floor of the House of Representatives by the immediate past Deputy Speaker, Alhaji Ahmad Wase. In a widely circulated video, Alhaji Wase told the house how 300 people were sponsored for illegal military training in Israel. In addition, he said four containers of arms were brought into Plateau State from Israel. Alhaji Wase told the house he was ready to prove it with the necessary documents, including a committee report. Typical of Nigeria, no one bothered to follow it up. 

Alhaji Wase was only speaking about Plateau State. Who knows how much military training the Zionists gave militant groups like Boko Haram, bandits, ESN and the like operating in various parts of the country? And who knows how many more containers of firearms were brought in from Israel for their trainees?

As if that is not enough, after committing all these atrocities, the shameless murderers that the Zionists are told the United Nations, “Over the past decade, 50,000 Christians in Nigeria have been butchered and hacked to death”. This statement made by the Zionists ambassador to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan, in January this year was broadcast by major media houses, with some of Nigeria’s ignorant Christians hailing it.

We expect the Federal Government to call the Israeli ambassador to show evidence of 50,000 Nigerian Christians murdered by Muslims. Of course, we expect details since the enemies of Nigeria seem to have more information than our Federal Government. I would like to hope that the Zionists would also be made to account for all the atrocities they have been committing in the form of training of criminals and supply of logistics to same.

If the Federal Government allows the Zionists to continue with their business as usual, the rest of us would have no option but to believe that the war against insurgency is only a deceptive camouflage to divert the attention of Nigerians from their actual problem that the Zionists are. Billions of Naira of taxpayers’ money are being budgeted every year to fight insecurity when the actual enemy is left untouched.

There is no need to continue to maintain a worthless diplomatic relationship that has only helped to sow the seed of discord among Nigerians. This relationship keeps claiming more lives and property of Nigerians. With the genocide in the Middle East, Nigerian Christians have since found another location for their annual pilgrimage. So, no Nigerian needs Israel for anything anymore.

Mr. President, our diplomatic relations with Israel should not only be ended but investigated. 

Israelis must leave Nigeria now!

Professor Abdussamad Umar Jibia wrote from Kano via aujibia@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

A 25-year-old U.S. Airman, identified as Aaron Bushnell, died on Sunday night after setting himself on fire outside the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., according to independent journalist Talia Jane. 

D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services (DC FEMS) confirmed an adult male was transported with critical, life-threatening injuries to a local hospital following the incident on Friday.

Authorities have not confirmed the identity, condition, or status of the individual when asked by TIME. 

Bushnell reportedly sent a message to media outlets before his self-immolation, stating, “Today, I am planning to engage in an extreme act of protest against the genocide of the Palestinian people.”

He also allegedly live-streamed the act on Twitch, which has since removed the video for violating guidelines and not responded to requests for comment from TIME. 

Footage reviewed by TIME shows Bushnell walking towards the driveway of the Israeli Embassy, stating, “I will no longer be complicit in genocide. I’m about to engage in an extreme act of protest.”

Authorities are investigating the incident and the reasons behind Bushnell’s actions. The Israeli Embassy has not issued a statement regarding the incident. 

The incident has sparked outrage and concern within the U.S. and abroad.

Critics have questioned the lack of information available about Bushnell’s motivations and mental health.  

Mental health experts urge anyone experiencing distress to seek help and the resources readily available.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255) is available 24/7 in the U.S. 

By Dr Raji Bello

I have no intention of aggravating anyone’s feelings over the war in Gaza. I also feel bad about it, even though I don’t write much on the subject. The main reason for this is that nothing surprises me about what is happening. I have completely anticipated what Israel would do as well as the reaction of the Western countries to Israel’s conduct. No UN vetoes or abstentions by the Western countries is a surprise or a shock to me. 

My interest in history and current affairs for over 40 years has taught me two uncomfortable truths, which I have written about a few times:

1. Might is right. Powerful civilisations, kingdoms or countries have always done as they wished and will continue to do so until the end. Most other countries would either accept or at least not confront what the powerful countries do.

2. Relations between human societies or countries have never been based on moral considerations and will never be. They have always, and will always be, based on interests. Morality only becomes a consideration when there are no compelling interests to pursue.

When these two truths have been understood, two conclusions can be made:

1. no level of horror of human suffering would make powerful countries stop pursuing their interests. This is why the US and the UK behave like they do at the UN.

2. While it is incumbent upon the less powerful countries to also pursue their interests, they should never get in the way of a powerful country’s pursuit of its interests. 

Human beings are not as mentally sophisticated as we might think. We are technically and materially advanced, but the ancient rules still apply. For less powerful countries to survive and flourish, tact is essential. They could get what they wanted through tact but would risk being crushed if they stood in the way of a powerful country. 

The only feasible way to take on a powerful country directly is by acquiring more power than them. Until a less powerful country acquires more power, its strategy should be tact, and tact only.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

In the latest development surrounding the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, the Biden administration has introduced a bill seeking to provide an additional $10 billion in financial assistance to Israel.

This proposal, disclosed via social media by Senator Bernie Sanders, has sparked debate and criticism regarding the allocation of resources amidst the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. 

Senator Sanders, a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights, raised concerns about the decision to bolster military aid to Israel while acknowledging the dire situation facing civilians in Gaza.

Expressing his intent to oppose the bill, Sanders labelled the proposed aid package as “unconscionable” in light of the ongoing violence and suffering endured by Palestinians. 

Simultaneously, tensions between Israel and Hamas continue to escalate, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejecting a proposed ceasefire agreement put forth by Hamas.

Despite international mediation efforts, Netanyahu remains steadfast in his pursuit of what he deems victory in the conflict, citing significant losses inflicted upon Hamas’s military capabilities as evidence of progress. 

Netanyahu’s refusal to entertain the ceasefire proposal underscores the complexities and entrenched positions within the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, further perpetuating the cycle of violence and impeding efforts towards a peaceful resolution.

As diplomatic negotiations falter and violence persists, the fate of civilians caught in the crossfire remains uncertain, highlighting the urgent need for constructive dialogue and meaningful action to address the root causes of the conflict.

By Uzair Adam Imam 

The German government strongly dismissed accusations of Israel committing “genocide” in Gaza during a statement on Friday at the UN’s top court. 

Government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit stated that Israel was “defending itself” in response to “inhuman” attacks by Hamas on October 7. 

Hebestreit highlighted Germany’s commitment to the UN Genocide Convention, showing its significance in preventing another Holocaust. 

He firmly rejected any “political instrumentalization” of the Convention and acknowledged varying international opinions on Israel’s military operation in Gaza. 

The statement clarified Germany’s position, decisively rejecting the accusation of genocide against Israel brought before the International Court of Justice (ICJ). 

Hebestreit announced Germany’s intention to intervene as a third party under an article allowing states to seek clarification on the use of a multilateral convention. 

South Africa initiated an emergency case at the ICJ, alleging Israel’s breach of the UN Genocide Convention and urging an immediate halt to the Gaza campaign.

Israel and the United States have dismissed the case, promising a robust defence. 

While Germany maintains its historical responsibility for the Holocaust and supports the state of Israel, recent criticism has emerged regarding the Israeli campaign’s impact on civilians. 

Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stressed the need for “less intensive” combat and increased aid flows.

By Ismail Obansa Nimah

Yesterday again saw another targeted Israeli assassination of a high-profile leader of the Palestinian resistance axis, Hamas deputy leader Saleh Al Arouri. The assassination by Israel took place in the heart of Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, at about 5:45 pm Local time. It comes roughly 24 hours before the 4th anniversary of the assassination of Qassem Soleimani, former Commander of Iran’s elite Quds brigades of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard corps.

On the 3rd of January, 2020, turmoil was yet again unleashed in the Middle East when the United States of America (USA), in collaboration with her Israeli ally, assassinated Major-General Qassem Soleimani, a man who doubled as the commander of the Iranian Elite Revolutionary Quds Force and the second most potent/influential man in Iran after Ayatollah Al-Khamenei (Iran’s supreme leader).

Citing the preservation of the interest and national security of America, the United States launched a drone strike at a convoy conveying Soleimani and Iraqi militia leader Abu Mahdi Al-Muhandis, killing them both and eight others near Baghdad airport in Iraq.

The conflict between the US and Iran dates as far back as the 1970s, and as almost always, the killing of Soleimani immediately rattled up tensions, bringing the US and Iran to the brink of war. According to some Iranian sources, General Soleimani was on an important mission to deliver a message to the Iraqi prime minister about its gulf neighbours and reconciliatory steps taken between Iran and its neighbours, especially its regional rival Saudi Arabia, suggesting that Riyadh may have leaked intelligence to Washington.

The killing of Soleimani was met with shock, worldwide condemnation and fierce declarations of avenge from Iranian officials and Iranians, generally with the supreme leader, President and military commanders/leaders pledging a harsh retaliation. Following the killing, massive protests and mourning broke out in the cities of Iran and Iraq, with hundreds of thousands of Iranians pouring out into the streets, mourning and chanting their desires for revenge.

On January 5th, 2020, the remains of General Soleimani and the other Iranians killed alongside him were flown into Iran amidst a sea of millions of mourners. The funeral and national procession of the Iranian legend was planned for the 7th of January, at his home town in ‘Kerman’, but an ensuing stampede due to massive crowds led to the death of at least 56 people and injuring 213 people, resulting in the immediate postponement of the burial.

In the early hours of the 5th day after Soleimani’s assassination, on the 8th of January 2020, Iran retaliated and launched over a dozen ballistic missiles on two US bases in Iraq. The attack by Iran injured over 100 US soldiers, with most of them reportedly suffering traumatic brain injuries, and also resulted in the destruction of important US assets in the bases. Tensions immediately skyrocketed following the Iranian counterattack, with oil prices rising to levels not seen in 3 months and countries including the US ordering their citizens to evacuate and leave Iraq and its environments, as well as airliners being told to avoid the airspace over Iran and Iraq.

As the world woke up to the news of an Iranian response, so did the news of the downing of Ukrainian International Airlines flight 752, killing all 176 on board. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps placed its defences on high alert following the counterattack, allowing its surface-to-air missile defence system to mistakenly shoot down the Kyiv-bound airliner shortly after take-off from Tehran. Following damages to the US bases and injuries to personnel, President Trump and the Pentagon ordered the immediate deployment of more US military assets to the Gulf region. Consequently, an airstrike on Iran that would be called off at the last minute by President Trump was ordered.

 Iraq, caught in a conflict between the world’s superpower and a Middle Eastern regional power, became destabilised. With the outright violations of its national sovereignty by a supposed ally, protest broke out with both ordinary Iraqis and the Iraqi parliament calling for the expulsion of American troops and other foreign forces from its soil. For a lot of them (Iraqis), the horrors and consequences of decades of war can still very much be remembered and felt, and they, by all means, want to be left out of another regional conflict.

Four years on, tensions remain at a ceiling level between Iran and the US/its Middle Eastern allies, particularly Israel. Israel’s brutal genocidal war on Gaza has killed more than 22,000 Palestinians, as well as more Israeli-targeted killings of Iranian officials. It’s regional allies with American support, including Mohsen Fakhrizadeh; it is yet to be fully known how close an all-out war is between Iran and American-backed forces within the region, particularly Israel.  Although so many structures have been re-named after Soleimani, the void created in the hearts of Iranians, the Palestinian resistance axis and the Islamic Republic of Iran by his death will take a long time to heal and will require more than an anniversary celebration for the already sanction crippled nation.

Ismail Obansa Nimah wrote via nimah013@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A United Nations report, disclosed on December 21, sheds light on an escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, revealing that over 576,600 Palestinians stand on the precipice of “a serious famine.”

This distressing revelation affects a staggering one in four individuals in the besieged territory, underscoring the gravity of the situation. 

The report issues a stark warning, indicating that without swift action to address the ongoing conflict and improve access to aid, Gaza could confront a severe famine within the next six months.

This imminent threat has sparked global concern, particularly as vulnerable populations, such as children, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and the elderly, face heightened health risks due to escalating hunger. 

Complicating matters further, Israel’s sustained attacks on Gaza since October 7 have had devastating consequences.

Shockingly, over 20,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, have lost their lives, with more than 52,000 individuals left wounded.

The persistent violence has not only claimed numerous lives but has also exacerbated already precarious living conditions, pushing the population to the brink of famine. 

As the international community grapples with the urgency of the situation, the World Health Organisation predicts a surge in health problems in the region.

The intersection of conflict, restricted aid access, and the looming famine poses a severe threat to the well-being of Gaza’s inhabitants, necessitating immediate attention and intervention to avert an impending humanitarian catastrophe.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The delicate truce between Israel and Hamas faced a pivotal moment on Thursday as both parties agreed to extend the ceasefire just moments before its scheduled expiration at 0500 GMT.

The Israeli military declared an “operational pause” without specifying the duration, citing ongoing mediator efforts and the complex hostage release process. 

Hamas echoed the extension for a seventh day, leaving the specifics shrouded in uncertainty.

Qatar, spearheading the truce negotiations, confirmed the extension until Friday, a decision met with anticipation amid calls for a lengthened pause to facilitate additional hostage releases and increased humanitarian aid to the ravaged Gaza Strip.

The timing coincided with the arrival of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken for crucial talks on Wednesday night. 

The truce, initiated on October 7, brought a temporary cessation to hostilities that erupted when Hamas militants crossed into Israel, resulting in a toll of 1,200 lives, predominantly civilians, and the abduction of approximately 240 individuals, according to Israeli authorities.

Israel’s subsequent air and ground campaign in Gaza reportedly claimed nearly 15,000 lives, predominantly civilians, and left large parts of the northern region in ruins, as reported by Hamas officials. 

Crucially, the truce agreement permits extensions contingent on Hamas releasing ten hostages daily. A source close to the group expressed a willingness to extend the pause by four days.

However, with a mere hour remaining before the truce’s expiration, Hamas disclosed that its offer to release seven hostages and hand over the bodies of three individuals killed in Israeli bombardment had been rebuffed. 

Both sides had previously declared their readiness to resume hostilities, with Hamas’s armed wing instructing fighters to “maintain high military readiness” in anticipation of combat resumption if the truce elapsed.

IDF spokesman Doron Spielman issued a warning of a swift return to operational mode, vowing to continue targeting Gaza if the truce lapsed.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The armed wing of Hamas, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, announced on Saturday a delay in the handover of a second group of hostages.

This was part of a truce deal with Israel, contingent on Israel’s adherence to the terms of the agreement. 

The issues at the centre of the delay involve the entry of humanitarian aid to the north of the Gaza Strip and the criteria for selecting prisoners for release.

The truce agreement, spanning four days, included the release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for a three-to-one ratio. 

Initially, a Hamas source informed AFP that the handover of 14 hostages to the Red Cross had commenced but later reported a halt in the transfer process.

However, an Israeli official countered, stating that the hostages had not yet been handed over to the Red Cross. 

Despite the delay, the Israeli source maintains that Israel has not violated the agreement, alluding to a a different perspective on the situation.

The intricacies of these negotiations continue to unfold against the backdrop of the fragile truce between Israel and the Islamist movement.

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

The United Nations (UN) has mourned staff of the organization killed by the Israel attacks in Gaza. 

The UN Secretary-General, Antònio Guterres, disclosed the development in a tweet on Monday. 

According to Guterres, more than 100 staff of the United Nations Relief and Work Agency met their death as a result of the raging war. 

“Today, the @UN family observed a moment of silence to mourn & honour our colleagues killed in Gaza. Since the start of this conflict, more than 100 @UNRWA staff have lost their lives – the highest number of UN aid workers killed in a conflict in such a short time. They will never be forgotten.” He tweeted.