Christians, Muslims must unite against terrorism – Palestinian envoy

In order to nip the spate of insurgency being perpetrated by the dreaded Islamic sect, Boko Haram, in the bud in Nigeria, Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Nigeria, Dr Montaser Abuzaid, has called on Christians and Muslims in the country to join forces towards tackling the menace.
Abuzaid, who made the remarks over the weekend at a press briefing to mark the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People at the Embassy in Abuja, said bombing and killing of innocent lives only stand to dent the country’s image.
Recalling the incident in which the United Nations (UN) Building in Abuja was attacked by the insurgents last year, the ambassador described it as a devastating experience.
“We heard the loud noise and it shook everywhere. This is not good because the civilisation of Nigeria is too high and as one of the leading countries in the world. This is not good for the image of Nigeria,” he said.
The envoy, who said in his country that the Christians and Muslims live in peaceful relations, urged Nigerians to imbibe the same culture of peace.
Meanwhile, Abuzaid has called on the international community to prevail on Israel to implement the UN resolutions between the two nations.
While accusing the United States of America (USA) of unfairly using its veto right against the adoption of the UN resolutions of State of Palestine by Israel, the envoy also noted that the regrettable reality confirms the widespread conviction that there is indeed a double standard when it comes to UN resolutions regarding Israel, which are not implemented, allowing Israel to continue behaving as though it is a state above the law.
“29th of November every year is the UN Day for Solidarity with the Palestinian People. The UN fixed this date because on November 29, 1947, it was a resolution of the United Nations number 181 to have two states in the Palestinian territory – State of Palestine and State of Israel. State of Israel exits but unfortunately, it is not so for the State of Palestine,” he said.
He said in as much as the Palestinians are ready to allow peace to reign between the two countries, Israel must be made to implement the resolutions.
He, however, called on the international community to mete out serious economic punishment to Israel in order to comply with the resolution.
Abuzaid thanked Nigerian government for its unflinching support towards the realisation of the State of Palestine.
“It was a victory last year when over hundred countries in the United Nations voted in favour of the State of Palestine, including Nigeria, while just nine countries voted against. This year marked the passage of 46 years since June 1967, when Israel forcibly occupied the remainder of historic Palestine- the West Bank, including East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip. We stress that this injustice must end and this military occupation of our land and our people must end.
“We reiterate our urgent calls to the international community to act forthwith to compel Israel, the occupying power, to comply with its legal obligations, relevant UN resolutions and international commitments and to cease its violations of international law and its illegal, aggressive and destructive policies and practices,” he said.